Students Expand Job Skills at Tree Care Industry Event Supported by STIHL
The 21st annual Tree Care Industry Association Foundation (TCIAF) Student Career Days (SCD) wrapped up another successful event in Columbus, Ohio, November 2-4, 2017. More than 230 college and vocational students representing 17 schools from across the country attended SCD, which was held in conjunction with the Tree Care Industry EXPO (TCI EXPO), the world’s largest tree care industry trade show and conference.
As the largest career development event for students enrolled in horticulture, forestry, and related programs, SCD features a Student Skills Competition, as well as a Job and Internship Fair.
Mark Chisholm, STIHL spokesperson, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist, and three time ISA international tree climbing champion, was on site during the Student Skills Competition at Federal Hill Park to offer climbing tips. “It’s fantastic to see so many students invested in their careers and the future of professional tree care,” says Chisholm. “This event highlights the strength and future growth of our industry.”
“Student Career Days provides young people with opportunities to learn from their peers, from experts in the field, and even from renowned professionals like Mark Chisholm,” says Amy Tetreault, TCIA’s director of development and special programs. “Mark and STIHL, along with our other partners, provided an incredible experience for these aspiring arborists.”
Student Skills Competition
The Student Skills Competition was comprised of three main events: Safety Gear Check, Belayed Scramble and Work Climb.
The winners were announced at the Student Skills Awards Ceremony on Saturday, November 4, and included:
Overall 1st Place Winners:
- Shane Brett, Kent Roosevelt High School (Vocational Men’s)
- Erin Rockwell, Kent Roosevelt High School (Vocational Women’s)
- Blake Russ, Milwaukee Area Technical College (Collegiate Men’s)
- Laura Mantin, Milwaukee Area Technical College (Collegiate Women’s)
A complete list of SCD winners and scores is available online.
About TCIAF and TCIA
The Tree Care Industry Association Foundation (TCIAF) works to advance education and professional development in the green industry, improve safety and reduce accident rates in the tree care industry, and to disseminate information key to practitioners and consumers about proper tree care. TCIAF programs include Student Career Days (SCD), and the Arborist Safety Training Institute (ASTI).
TCIAF’s sister organization, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), is a trade association of 2,300 tree care firms and affiliates whose mission is to advance tree care businesses. TCIA develops safety and education programs, standards of tree care practice, and management information for arboriculture firms around the world. TCIA is also proud to present TCI EXPO, the world’s largest tree care industry trade show and conference. Learn more about TCIAF and TCIA at www.tcia.org.
About STIHL, Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America for homeowners and professional landscapers*, as well as the number one selling brand of chainsaws in the world. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast – not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name of a local STIHL retailer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on the STIHL website at https://www.stihlusa.com/.
*"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as independent consumer research of 2009 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.
