VALPARAISO, IND. (August 28, 2024) — The Center of Workforce Innovations is proud to announce its partnership with the Indiana Arborist Association (IAA) to launch a three-year apprenticeship program. The program was made possible through a $250,000 grant awarded to IAA from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Community and Urban Forestry program with CWI offering workforce services in a
supportive role.
This pioneering initiative offers historically marginalized communities within the region the support and training necessary to become arborists. The program will provide apprentices with competitive starting wages beginning at $17 per hour, with the potential for salaries to rise to $22 per hour. Participants will be qualified to take the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) arborist certification exam upon completion.
Those interested in learning more about this unique career opportunity are invited to attend the kickoff
recruitment event on September 5, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at WorkOne Michigan City, located at 301 E 8th St. Following the festivities, a live arborist demonstration will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Washington Park, 115 Lakeshore Dr., Michigan City, Ind.
The apprenticeship represents a significant step forward in advancing workforce development while creating new opportunities for aspiring arborists in Northwest Indiana. For more information, please contact Dominique Smiley, Director of Engagement for CWI, at (219) 248-6843 or dsmiley@cwicorp.com.