A well-staffed, robust tree care sector is essential for the health and resilience of our cities. However, we are facing a shortage of workers needed to grow, plant, and care for our urban forest.
That’s why The Park People is creating a new Workforce Development Program in Urban Forestry. Launching as a pre-apprenticeship in 2022, this training program will prepare adults from diverse backgrounds for meaningful career paths with family-supporting wages. Participants will explore forestry career pathways through classroom, work-based, and hands-on learning. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices will be encouraged to apply to the Colorado Arborist Apprenticeship Program or pursue employment opportunities in private tree care, municipal forestry, seedling production, tree planting, urban wood reuse, or higher education.
The pre-apprenticeship program will facilitate partnership with various organizations in Denver and across Colorado to immerse participants in a full ecosystem of support, including critical wrap-around services like clothing, housing, and transportation. Cultivating every-day job skills and training in tree care will be a central goal in these partnerships, expanding the scope of opportunities for participants. The pre-apprenticeship program will also connect pre-screened and trained potential hires with employers to help bridge the gap between qualified tree-industry workers and the urban forestry sector.