WILMINGTON — Cape Fear Community College is launching a new arboriculture certificate program designed to prepare students for careers in professional tree care and urban forestry.
The 116-hour hybrid program combines online coursework with hands-on training. No prior climbing or arboriculture experience is required to enroll. Students are to gain practical skills in tree identification and biology, plant health care, safe equipment operation, tree climbing, knot tying, rigging, and other industry-related skills.
CFCC is partnering with Bartlett Tree Experts, an industry leader actively supporting workforce development pipelines across North Carolina. As part of the curriculum, students will visit the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories in Charlotte, gaining exposure to tree health research and science.
Potential careers include arborist technicians, tree climbing and rigging specialists, utility vegetation managers, urban forestry and parks positions, and commercial landscape maintenance professionals.
“We build our programs around the real-world needs of local employers, and this partnership with Bartlett Tree Experts delivers on that commitment,” Jim Morton, President of Cape Fear Community College, said in a press release. “Our students will gain the hands-on, practical experience needed to step safely and confidently into the workforce on day one.”
Registration is now open. To learn more visit https://cfcc.edu/job-training/vocational-trade/arboriculture-certificate/.
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