The Valparaiso-based Center of Workforce Innovations is launching a new arboriculture workforce program.
The program is designed to nurture arborist career opportunities in underserved communities in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties. It begins with a recruitment event on Sept. 5.
The center will collaborate with the Cicero-based Indiana Arborist Association for a three-year apprenticeship program. The program was made possible through a $250,000 grant awarded from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Community and Urban Forestry program. The center is providing workforce services in a supportive role.
The initiative offers historically marginalized communities within the Region to offer support and training necessary to become arborists. The program will provide apprentices with competitive starting wages, with the potential for salaries to increase. Participants will be qualified to take the International Society of Arboriculture arborist certification exam upon completion.
The kick-off recruitment event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 5 at WorkOne in Michigan City. A live arborist demonstration will be held from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Washington Park in Michigan City. Learn more about the program here.
