In-House Training, Out on a Limb
Written by: Brent Kahn, Certified Arborist, WI-0302A
Posted: 2024 | Employee Stories | Wachtel News
Wachtel Tree Science teaches a college level course, in-house! One of Wachtel’s values is ongoing education to cultivate our expertise as arborists, and our passionate staff designs and delivers training on all levels to pursue that distinction. Throughout the year, all staff to continue to learn and grow in the field, through collaborative efforts. From weekly training topics at staff safety meetings to our in-house Wachtel-U day-long training as ongoing items to the extensive training courses continually developed and improved for our new hires, there’s always something new to learn and we’re constantly digging in. Built around industry standards for arboriculture like those published by ANSI and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), our ongoing education is built to help us remain abreast of current best practices in the field.
Just one great example: Our in-house Introduction to Tree Climbing course. The inaugural 8-week run of this course, designed by former Wachtel employee Ryan Rodefer, was administered to six of our Arborist Trainees. Safety was the primary focus: they reviewed the ANSI Safety Standards that arborists are required to follow. They learned to inspect their gear, the tree, and their work site for safety; to tie the knots and hitches correctly that are needed to do their jobs; and to comfortably use the ropes and climbing harnesses they will work with. Efficiency techniques in moving around in a tree were taught. Proper pruning cuts and branch selection were all practiced, as well as some aerial rescue techniques to use if an emergency were to arise. The class was a complete success, and those six arborists are out in the field using and practicing their new skills. Thanks Ryan, for making us as good as we can be and better than we have been—and we wish you the best in your new endeavors!
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