Calling all aspiring arborists! Student Career Day (SCD) is here to kickstart your professional journey. Discover endless opportunities for career development and get ready to shape the future of arboriculture.

It is a unique opportunity for high school, college, and vocational students, and even arborist apprentices, who want to learn more about the tree care industry, meet industry professionals, make connections, and win some great prizes from STIHL Inc, Student Career Day’s primary sponsor.

Updates! Many key features of SCD remain intact, such as Mark Chisholm’s presentation and networking roundtables with partnering tree care companies, but TCIA and STIHL Inc. have incorporated exciting new features to include a student skills competition element which will be facilitated by tree care company partners Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation, Bartlett Tree Experts, The Davey Tree Expert Company, Metropolitan Forestry Services, and Wachtel Tree Science.

TCIA is excited to have you join us for a day of learning, fun, and friendly competition in the field of arboriculture. Below are the directions for the various activities and challenges that await you. Remember, the goal is to learn, engage, and showcase your skills – while having a great time!

Compete in tying common knots and hitches used by arborists! You will be asked to tie 5 different knots or hitches selected from the following list: Alpine Butterfly, Anchor hitch, Blakes hitch, Bowline, Bowline on a bight, Cow hitch, Double fisherman’s loop, Figure 8, Quick hitch, Midline girth hitch, Midline clove hitch, Munter hitch, Sheet bend, Slipknot, Timber hitch. You will be scored and earn points on each knot and hitch you tie correctly. This is a timed event.

Match the correct gear for the job task! There will be an image of a job task and students will place a physical tool for each task. For each one students get correct, they will receive a throw ball. Students will then take the throw balls they won and have the opportunity to toss them into buckets with different point levels.

Tree Trivia with approximately 10 questions focusing on Urban Tree Selection and Arboriculture Terms with physical examples/photos as possible.

Students will identify plant problems that may occur for various reasons, including damage caused by pest insects, disease, and certain abiotic problems.

Students will race in teams against another team. Start at the shop, drive to the “jobsite,” then correctly set up job. (cones, drop zone, gear and PPE). Earn points for correct set up and fastest time.

Demonstrate your throwline skills in this fun challenge! Using any throwing technique, students will be scored based on precision and technique.

* SCD Room: Ballroom

Partnership Opportunities: TCIA has limited funding available from “Adopt-a-School” partners who have donated so that schools may have reimbursement for travel expenses. Student advisors should reach out to studentcareerdays@tcia.org for more information on funding availability.  Interested in becoming a partner to support Student Career Day? Click here to learn more.