Arborist Intensive Training Program - March 8 - 12, 2027
Arborist Intensive Training Program - March 8 - 12, 2027
Arborist Training Intensive Program
Running March 8 - 12, 2027
Build real, employable climbing and rope access skills with BC Plant Health Care's Arborist Training Intensive, a five day, hands on program grounded in WorkSafeBC standards and current industry practice. Whether you're a company sending an employee to upskill, an arborist refining advanced technique, or new to climbing altogether, you'll leave with a complete, practical skillset, not just a certificate. No prior climbing experience is required to start on Day 1.
Who This Program Is For
Arborists building on their existing skillset
Companies upskilling employees in safe climbing and rope access
People learning how to climb trees safely for the first time, no experience needed
Forestry professionals transitioning into arboriculture or another tree focused career
Naturalists and biologists who need canopy access for field work
Fire and rescue, police, and military personnel building technical rope and aerial rescue skills
Anyone ready for a genuinely new challenge and a memorable week outdoors
Course Overview
Each day builds directly on the last, so you finish the week with a full, integrated skillset rather than one isolated technique.
Day 1: Foundational Climbing Safety
Introduction to tree climbing equipment and safety standards
Personal protective equipment and gear inspection, application and use
Knot tying and rope system fundamentals
Safe rope ascent and decent
Practical skills development
Supervised hands-on practice
Day 2: MRS Skills (Moving Rope System)
Tree selection and hazard assessment
Moving rope system setup and inspection
Ascent and descent techniques using MRS
Body thrusting, footlocking, and other in canopy movement methods
Repositioning and traversing between anchor points
Supervised hands on climbing practice
Day 3: SRS (Single Rope System)
MRS vs. SRS climbing systems overview
SRS gear application, inspection and use
SRS setup and anchor types and limitations
Mechanical and friction based ascent devices
SRS specific descent and positioning techniques
Transitioning between SRS and MRS systems
Supervised hands on SRS climbing practice
Day 4: Applied Climbing and Work Positioning
A culminating skills day that brings everything from the week together through the lens of rigging, applying your climbing and work positioning technique in a real rigging context.
Rigging equipment identification, inspection, and use
Rigging specific knots and hitches
Accessibility considerations for rigging work
Applying climbing and work positioning skills to rigging tasks
Hands on, instructor guided application combining climbing, positioning, and rigging technique
Day 5: Aerial Rescue
Aerial rescue theory and planning
Rescuing a climber with a functioning climbing system
Rescuing a climber without a functioning climbing system
Spar pole rescue techniques
Building rescuable basal anchors for SRS and MRS
Aerial lift ground control and self rescue procedures
Why Train With Us
This program is led by a team of trainers who are ISA Certified Arborists and TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professionals with years of instructional experience, delivering technical rope, rigging, and rescue instruction to municipal and industry clients across BC, including the City of Vancouver, City of Coquitlam, and the City of Delta. Every day is built around current WorkSafeBC requirements and real world work practices, not just classroom theory.
Certification:
Participants receive a certificate of achievement for each day of training they complete, recognizing their progress through the Arborist Training Intensive.
Program Details:
Duration: Five day intensive program
Location: BCPHC Training Facility - 18465 53rd Ave, Surrey, BC
Date: March 8 – 12, 2027. 8am - 3pm.
Investment: $2500 per person
No climbing gear yet? No problem. Bring your own equipment if you have it, or let us know ahead of time and we'll supply what you need for the course.
Not ready to commit to the full week? The two day Foundational Climbing Safety package is also available on its own for $1,500, a lower commitment way to start building your skills before you take on the full program.
Enroll Today
Our 2024, 2025 and 2026 sessions sold out to their final spots. Build the technical foundation, rope skills, and rescue competency that set skilled arborists apart, and reserve your seat before this session fills.
Group Rates:
Have a group to train? This program is available as a private booking, with instructor numbers scaled to fit your group size. Contact us for available dates and pricing.
Contact Us: Learn@bcplanthealthcare.com | 18465 53rd Avenue, Surrey, BC | 604-575-8727
Testimonials:
"A Game-Changer in Arboriculture!"
"This intensive program is a game-changer! In just one week, I gained skills and confidence that would have taken me months to acquire elsewhere. The hands-on approach and expert guidance make it a standout course in the industry."
Mark T.
"Expert Instruction & Practical Learning"
"The training provided here is top-notch! The instructors' expertise and dedication to safety were evident throughout the course. The practical sessions were invaluable, offering a real-world experience that's hard to find elsewhere."
Rachel L.
"Invaluable Skills, Swift Progress"
"I came into this course with minimal experience but left feeling like a competent climber. The curriculum covers everything, from safety protocols to chainsaw operations, providing invaluable skills in a condensed timeframe."
Tyler W.
"Comprehensive & Empowering"
"A comprehensive course that doesn't compromise on quality. The aerial rescue training was a standout, empowering us with life-saving skills. Highly recommended for anyone serious about a career in arboriculture."
Sarah H.
"Career-Defining Experience"
"This program not only enhanced my skills but also gave me the confidence to tackle challenging situations in the field. The certification was a cherry on top, solidifying my position in the industry. Truly a career-defining experience!"
Michael S.
Cancellation Policy
Clients/Students are eligible for full refunds, less the cost of any textbooks and/or shipping costs, if email course withdrawal/notice of cancellation is received 15 business days prior to the course start date.
Any refunds owing to clients/students based on our cancellation policy are issued within 3 business days of the emailed notice of course withdrawal and can take up to 7-10 business days to show on your bank statement, dependent on your financial institution. If you do not receive your refund within 10 business days, please reach out – 604-575-8727.