• image1
  • image2
  • image3
NAVIGATION
TESTIMONIALS

"Thanks for a job well done. Our guys thought you were the greatest. They had nothing but praise for you. They expressed they had learned more in the time spent with you than they had collectively learned ever."

— THE CITY OF VANCOUVER

"The courses that EITI presented were extremely good. It was interesting and full of relevant details and information. Most importantly, it was specific, relevant and interactive. "

— YEMEN POWER

"Without a doubt one of the better training sessions. I was impressed. "

— MUNICIPAL LIGHT AND POWER

Career Opportunities
BC Hydro Public Safety courses
BC Hydro PSSP programs

Certified Utility Arborist
Pre-Apprentice Program

“Utility Arborist” is a person who gains a Journeyman classification within the province of British Columbia in the field of the “Certified Utility Arborist” (CUA). A CUA’s job consists of vegetation removal within close proximity of energized electrical equipment, structures and conductors (as defined by WorkSafeBC). This includes: utility line clearing operations, maintenance pruning, and the removal of trees which are considered a hazard to energized conductors.

PROGRAM OUTLINE:

The Certified Utility Arborist Pre-Apprenticeship program will prepare you for employment in the dynamic and growing sector of the British Columbian economy. The pre-apprenticeship program provides you with the theoretical and practical skills to work in the outdoors, maintaining energized rights of way, that is the Utility Arborist trade. The skills acquired in this program will also prepare you for work in a number of fields related to managing tree care in our province. This line of work is for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, are able to travel throughout the province, can work at heights, and are capable of working around fast moving equipment.

  • COURSE DURATION: 8 weeks, 240hrs = 6hrs a day actual work time, taking into account lunch and breaks. (Composed of 6 weeks on UA course, plus 60hrs of certifications listed below course description).
  • CLASS SIZE: Min 12, Max 16 students.
  • FORMAT: Classroom and Hands-on training.

OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS
  • MSI & RSI
  • Worksite Hazards
  • Regulation that Apply to the Job
  • Leadership and Communication
  • Legislation and Regulations
POWERED EQUIPMENT
  • Maintenance Requirements for Aerial Lifts
  • Critical Components Aerial Lift
  • Safe Dump Box Operation
  • Aerial Lift Operation
  • Aerial Lift Setup Near an Energized Conductor
  • Safe Chipper Use
HAND AND SMALL POWER TOOLS
  • Maintain Hand Tools
  • Operate Hand Tools (variety of)
  • Use and Inspect Ladders
TREE WORK MANAGEMENT
  • ID Common Trees in Western Canada
  • Basic Tree Biology
  • Pruning to Industry Standards
  • ID Common Stem Rot, Crown, Pests and Diseases
  • Assess Trees in the Field
FALLING AND BUCKING
  • Safe Chainsaw Use
  • Process of Falling
  • Falling a Tree
  • Falling Hazards(managing)
  • Hazardous Weather Conditions
  • Dangerous Falling Practices
  • Special Falling Techniques
  • Limbing and Bucking
RIGGING
  • Rigging Concepts, including selection and use of ropes
  • Selection and Use of Knots, Hitches, Slings, and the Hardware used in Rigging Systems.
  • Select and Use Appropriate Rigging Techniques
  • Perform Cuts in Rigging
CLIMBING
  • Select and Inspect Gear
  • Pre-Climb Assessment
  • Various Climbing Techniques
  • Post Climb Job and Gear Inspection
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
  • First Aid Requirements, as per regulations
  • Precautions and Procedures to both Prevent and Suppress Fires
  • Spill Response
  • Aerial Bucket Rescue
  • Aerial Tree Rescue
JOB PLANNING RISK ASSESSMENT
  • Site Inspection
  • Communicate and Develop a Safe Job Plan
  • Pre-Job Preparation
  • Regulatory Compliance
POWERLINE AWARENESS
  • OH&S Regulations part 19 (WorkSafeBC)
  • Principles of Electricity and terms used
  • Basic Powerline Description
  • Utility Overhead Structures and Components
  • Sources of Electrical Hazards
  • Methods of Electrical Hazards Abatement
  • Requirements for ”Limits of Approach” and what they are
  • Method of Obtaining Appropriate System Protections

 


CERTIFICATION

Students must successfully complete the program with an academic grade of 70% or higher. Students must also demonstrate hands-on proficiency. Upon successful completion of the CUA pre-apprenticeship program, the participant will be able to apply to challenge the level 1 CUA technical training equivalency exam, once they have attained an apprenticeship in the trade.

Other certifications included in the course are:

  • BC Wildlife Danger Tree Assessor’s Course (3 days)
  • S-100 Fire Suppression (3 days)
  • Work Practices Managing Riparian Vegetation (2 day)
  • Occupational First Aid Level 1 (1 day)
  • Transportation Endorsement (1 day)

FEE

Cost covers course tuition, PSSP training, student manuals & textbooks, certifications.
Cost does not include student’s own personal protection gear, tools and equipment.


STUDENT HOUSING

Optional student housing, at preferred status room rates, is available at the Best Western Plus at 32281-32215 Lougheed Highway in Mission, BC. The complex includes Rockwell's restaurant, providing an extensive menu daily from 11:00am to 11:00pm.

ITA - EITI Climbing Arborist Course


REGISTRATION

This program is made available through sponsoring organizations, such as government or First Nations workforce employment programs, as required.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED.