Utility tree worker standing in a tree

What can you expect from this program/course?

This course was created and is maintained by the Professional Vegetation Managers Association in association with Olds College, the Electrical Safety Technical Service Division of Alberta Labour, and major utilities and their contractors in Alberta.

Program Dates: 

2023

2024

Costs: $2625 (price is subject to change). Books are included in tuition cost.

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Utility Tree Worker Safety Training

Utility tree worker standing in a tree

What can you expect from this program/course?

This course was created and is maintained by the Professional Vegetation Managers Association in association with Olds College, the Electrical Safety Technical Service Division of Alberta Labour, and major utilities and their contractors in Alberta.

Program Dates: 

2023

  • Intake 1: April 17 - 27, 2023
  • Intake 2: April 24 - May 4, 2023

2024

  • Intake 1: April 8 - 18, 2024
  • Intake 2: April 15 - April 25, 2024

Costs: $2625 (price is subject to change). Books are included in tuition cost.

Length of Program: 2 Weeks (week 1: online live lecture, week 2: field evaluation)

Delivery Method: Olds Campus

Credentials: To be eligible for certification with Professional Vegetation Managers Association you need to complete this course and 1200 additional documented hours. See www.pvma.ca for details.

After successful completion of this certification course you will be eligible to register for your Utility Tree Worker and Utility Tree Trimmer certificate with Professional Vegetation Managers Association

Prerequisites: Six months of related work experience in tree and brush work around power lines.

See Also - Utility Tree Worker & Utility Tree Trimmer Recertification

Please Note: Students will need their own computer with internet access, microphone and a web camera for the online Virtual classes and exams

Download the 2023 Utility Tree Worker information brochure HERE.

What will you learn?

Please note that this is a certification course only, you are expected to have experience in the industry. This certification course includes the following topics:

  • safe work near energized lines
  • electrical hazard awareness
  • safety regulations
  • chainsaw operation
  • introduction to arboriculture
  • ropes, knots and rigging
  • tree climbing/tree rescue
  • aerial trimming/bucket rescue
  • hazard tree removal
  • job planning and preparedness procedures
  • stump treatment pesticide certificate tutorial and exam (optional)

Supply List Summary:

  • Students must bring the following items (Tree Climbing Equipment):
  • 100-150 feet half inch kernmantle or double braid polypropylene/polyolefin tree climbing rope with a minimum 5400 lbs breaking strength (3 strand is not acceptable)
  • Tree climbing belt and safety lanyard
  • CSA approved tree spurs
  • CSA approved chainsaw pants or chaps a required minimum rating of 3600 threshold, CSA, ULC or WCB BC approved
  • Gloves, CSA approved
  • CSA approved work boots - Sport/street shoes are not acceptable
  • Hard hat certified to CSA standard Z94.1-92 (Class E Industrial Headwear) with hearing protection and forestry visor (face protection)
  • Separate eye protection to ANSI/CSA standard
  • Calculator with basic math functions
  • Optional (if possible) – topping saw (light weight) and bucking saw (20” bar)

Suppliers:

  • Commercial Solutions Inc.(1.888.522.9822)
  • Safety West (contact Leslie Hollas 780.975.2510)
  • Pacific Arborist Supplies (Contact Bonnie Taylor 604.929.6133)
  • Arborist Supply Co. Ltd., (1.888.240.3993)
  • Vermeer Sales & Service (1.800.809.5066)

How to register?

Fully complete the Olds College registration form with payment information, noting which intake you want to attend. Complete the prerequisite documents.

Send  all documentation and registration to: Professional Vegetation Managers Association. Box 5468, Leduc, AB, T9E 6L7

Toll Free: 1.877.249.1508, Fax: 1.877.248.3093, Email: info@pvma.ca

Also interested in Stump Treatment? Check out the Stump Treatment Pesticide Certificate Tutorial.

I completed the course. Now what?

After successful completion of this certification course. You will then be eligible to register for your Utility Tree Worker and Utility Tree Trimmer certificate with Professional Vegetation Managers Association.

Olds College will mail you your marks, then it is your responsibility to register for your certification.

You will need to complete documented hours after you have completed this course to submit to Professional Vegetation Managers Association with your certification registration. You will need to pay your registration fee to Professional Vegetation Managers Association. See pvma.ca for information)