TCIAF's Student Career Days

New Generation of Arborists Compete During Student Career Days

Students from around the country converged in Milwaukee in November for  the 12th Annual Tree Care Industry Association Foundation (TCIAF) Student Career Days, held during the Tree Care Industry (TCI) EXPO 2008.

Students in the Career Days skills and knowledge competitions competed in a variety of in-tree challenges, such as the work climb, throw line, and the belayed scramble. They also worked as "tree detectives” during the "TCI Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)” competition, in which they conducted inspection and analysis of written investigations and other scenarios involving trees.

"The experience of Student Career Days has been literally life-changing for some of these students,” remarked TCIA's Staff Arborist Tchukki Anderson. "For many, their awareness of this profession consists of what their professor or instructor has been able to share second-hand, or perhaps a short internship or summer work experience somewhere.”

There were 209 students registered for the entire conference, 98 students entered at least one of the competitions offered. Eighty-three competed in the outdoor skills competitions and/or knowledge exams. Fifteen students competed in the new TCI CSI Tree Diagnostic competition, and all had very positive comments. The non-competing students, along with those that participated in the Skills and Diagnostic competitions also attended many TCI EXPO educational workshops and networked with industry representatives.

Winners from the TCIAF Student Skills Competition included:

• Brian Baker of Brigham Young University, overall first place in the Collegiate Competition
• Ross Bosworth of Northlands Job Corps, overall first place in the Vocational Competition
• Mark Brothen, of Milwaukee Area Technical College, took first place in the "TCI CSI” competition. Brothen completed the event first with a time of 20 minutes.

"Events like the TCIAF Student Career Days are a great opportunity for students not only to gain competition experience, but also interact with those who have been working in the industry,” said Anita Gambill of Stihl Inc., which sponsored the events. "The knowledge and skills they gain through competing, attending seminars and speaking with industry professionals are invaluable as they begin their careers.”

One such industry veteran in attendance at the event was Mark Chisholm, a two-time World Tree Climbing Champion and world record holder in the secured footlock event. Chisholm offered advice and tips of the trade to the competing students.

"These students represent the next evolution in arboriculture,” said Chisholm. "It's gratifying for me to have the chance to pass on knowledge I learned from my own mentors to a new generation.”

Gambill added, "Over the years, I've been impressed with how the various tree care companies who support this event work closely together to deliver an exceptional learning experience for the students.”