Your Path Into Ontario's Arboriculture Industry
Interested in working with trees but don't know where to start?
The Ground Worker Training Program (GWTP) provides an entry point into Ontario's professional arboriculture industry.
This page will help you understand the industry, the role of a ground worker, available training, career pathways and opportunities to continue developing your skills.
New to the industry? Start here.
What Is Arboriculture?
Arboriculture is the professional care and management of trees.
Arborists work throughout Ontario maintaining, pruning, planting and caring for trees in residential, commercial and municipal environments.
The industry includes much more than climbing trees. Professional arboriculture requires trained ground crews, climbing arborists, equipment operators, crew leaders, plant health care specialists and other skilled professionals.
Where Do I Start?
For many people entering the industry, the first step is becoming an Arborist Ground Worker.
Ground workers are an important part of an arborist crew. They work alongside and support climbing arborists while developing practical knowledge of tree care, equipment, job-site safety and arboriculture operations.
GWTP helps provide the foundational training needed to take that first step.
Where Is Training Available?
GWTP opportunities are offered in communities across Ontario.
Training locations, cohort dates and availability may change as new programs become available.
OCAA will maintain information about current and upcoming opportunities here.
[CURRENT TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES]
When you're ready to apply, registration for Ground Worker Training Program cohorts is completed through The Career Foundation.
[APPLY THROUGH THE CAREER FOUNDATION]
Ground Worker Training Program
Build the Skills to Get Started
GWTP combines industry knowledge with practical training to prepare participants for work in professional arboriculture.
Who is it for?
People who are interested in entering the arboriculture industry and developing the foundational skills needed to work safely and effectively as part of an arborist crew.
What will I learn?
Participants are introduced to the equipment, safety practices, terminology and practical skills used by professional ground workers and arborist crews.
What Happens After GWTP?
GWTP is the beginning — not the end of the pathway.
Once you've developed foundational skills and entered the industry, you can continue gaining experience, completing additional training and working toward professional credentials.
A career pathway may include:
Ground Worker → Arborist Apprentice → Climbing Arborist → Certified Arborist → Crew Leader / Supervisor → Specialized Arboriculture Careers
There isn't one single path. Arboriculture offers opportunities to develop a career based on your interests, abilities and goals.
Continue Building Your Skills
GWTP Upskilling 2026-2027
Already working in arboriculture?
GWTP also supports people who are currently working in the industry and want to continue developing their knowledge and skills.
Upskilling opportunities provide access to more advanced industry training in areas such as pruning, tree preservation, safety, worksite management and other professional arboriculture skills.
OCAA | ISA Ontario
Individual course listings will direct you to the correct registration provider when they become available