Jun 27, 2019

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CITYWIDE has thrown its weight behind a project to create a modern arboriculture training regime that reflects industry regulatory and compliance requirements and ensures the next generation of arborists is highly-skilled.

The project is being led by Skills Impact's Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping, Conservation & Land Management Industry Reference Committee (click to view) and supported by peak industry body Arboriculture Australia. 

Arborists are currently on the National Skills Needs List and with falling training enrolment numbers, employers are facing severe challenges in attracting skilled staff.  Skills Impact says current qualifications were identified as having structural barriers to entry, which make them exceptionally difficult to deliver

Senior Arborist Rod Fraser – who heads up Citywide’s City of Melbourne Trees contract – was part of the Arboriculture Qualifications review panel, which also referenced new Minimum Industry Standards developed by Arboriculture Australia.

“Citywide supports the proposed qualifications, units and skill sets developed as part of the AHC Arboriculture project undertaken by Skills Impact,” Matt Williams, General Manager – Melbourne Contracts at Citywide, said.

“We’re satisfied that the revised qualifications reflect real job roles and that the revised units reflect real work functions carried out across the arboriculture industry.

“We also support the reference to Minimum Industry Standards in selected units of competency and their assessment requirements, as they are rapidly being adopted by our industry to support best practice and workplace health and safety.”

A critical shortage of skilled and qualified Arborists across the country had made it extremely difficult for employers in recent years but the renewed effort to create relevant training programs would provide a significant boost, Williams said.

“We appreciate the immense time and effort our arboriculture associations and practitioners from all over the country have invested in the project to create training that will ensure the next generation of arborists is highly skilled,” he added.

For further information, visit: AHC Arboriculture Project page

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Media Contact: 
Simon Mossman - Group Corporate Communications 
M 0427 307 216 
E simon.mossman@citywide.com.au