Arboriculture Courses & Training Pathways

Our arboriculture courses are designed to provide clear, structured pathways into the industry — whether you’re starting out or advancing your skills.

Each qualification combines hands-on training, industry knowledge, and real-world application to prepare you for safe, effective work in the field.

AHC20520 Cert II in Arboriculture AHC30824 Cert III in Arboriculture AHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture Short Course & Workshops

Training Delivery & Venue

Training is delivered through a combination of intensive workshop blocks, workplace-based learning, and practical assessment. Arboriculture and forestry units are conducted at Woodhouse Activity Centre in the Adelaide Hills, with theory sessions supported by hands-on training across real worksites.

Small trainer-to-student ratios ensure a safer, more focused learning environment:

High-risk activities: 4:1
Low-risk activities: 6:1

This approach ensures students gain practical experience in real conditions while developing strong safety awareness and technical capability.

Certificate III in Arboriculture

AHC30824

Course Summary

This trade-level qualification is designed for those looking to build a career as a professional arborist. It covers a wide range of arboriculture activities, including climbing, pruning, canopy management, tree health and remediation, and tree removal. Students develop the practical skills and safety awareness required to perform high-risk work at heights and operate effectively in real-world environments.

Course Duration

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15 months (experienced cohort)

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24 months (new learners)

—

Delivered part-time through a combination of
training blocks and self-directed learning

Study Format

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5-day training workshops every 6 weeks

—

On-the-job training and workplace assessment

—

Practical skills, demonstrations, and real-world
application

—

Logbook and project-based learning

Entry Requirements (summary)

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First Aid certification required

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Physically capable of performing demanding work

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Employed or working within the arboriculture industry during the course

—

Language, literacy and numeracy assessment on enrolment

Career Outcomes

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Climbing Arborist

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EWP Arborist

—

Environmental Arborist

—

Works Coordinator application

View Pre-Enrolment Information View Course Fees Enquire Now

Certificate II in Arboriculture

AHC20520

Course Summary

This entry-level qualification is designed for those starting their career in arboriculture. It focuses on the core skills required for ground-based tree work, including chainsaw operation, pruning, felling small trees, and supporting climbing arborists on site. Students develop strong safety awareness and practical capability while working under supervision in real environments.

Course Duration

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15 months part-time

—

Delivered through a combination of training
workshops and self-directed learning

Study Format

—

3–4 day training workshops every 6 weeks

—

Practical skills training, demonstrations &
assessments

—

On-the-job learning and logbook reporting

—

Workbook, project, and assessment-based activities

Entry Requirements (summary)

—

First Aid certification required

—

Physically capable of performing demanding work

—

Employed or working within the arboriculture industry during the course

—

Language, literacy and numeracy assessment on enrolment

Career Outcomes

—

Ground-based Arborist

—

Tree Worker (entry-level roles)

View Pre-Enrolment Information View Course Fees Enquire Now

Diploma of Arboriculture

AHC50524

Course Summary

This advanced qualification is designed for experienced arborists looking to move into consulting, management, or leadership roles within the industry. It focuses on assessing tree health and risk, diagnosing defects, and developing management plans, reports, and recommendations within a regulatory and environmental framework.

Course Duration

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2 years part-time

—

Delivered through workshops and structured
self-directed learning

Study Format

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2-day training workshops every 6 weeks

—

Combination of theory, practical tasks and applied
assessments

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Project work, reporting, and logbook-based learning

—

Workplace-based application of knowledge

Entry Requirements (summary)

—

Prior completion of key arboriculture units (or
equivalent experience)

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Existing industry experience required

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Language, literacy and numeracy assessment on enrolment

Career Outcomes

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Consulting Arborist

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Tree Manager

View Pre-Enrolment Information View Course Fees

View Pre-Requisite Course Fees Enquire Now

Short Courses

Individual Units of Competency

Short Course Overview

Our short courses are designed to build specific, job-ready skills in key areas of arboriculture. These individual units of competency are ideal for those looking to upskill, meet compliance requirements, or gain practical experience with specific equipment and techniques. Delivered in a hands-on, outdoor environment, each course focuses on safety, efficiency, and real-world application.

Available Short Courses

FWPCOT3351

Fell trees manually (advanced)

FWPHAR2208

Operate a mobile chipper/mulcher

AHCARB212

Operate and maintain stump grinding machines

FWPCOT3301

Trim trees using a pole saw

AHCMOM213

Operate and maintain chainsaws

FWPCOT2254

Maintain chainsaws

FWPCOT2273

Trim and cut felled trees

FWPCOT2275

Fell trees manually (basic)

FWPCOT3350

Fell trees manually (intermediate)

AHCPMC205*

Fell small trees*

View Pre-Enrolment Information View Course Fees Enquire Now

Funding & Subsidy Options

Eligible students may access subsidised training through the South Australian Government’s Skills for All program. Eligibility criteria apply.

Please see the links below to check your eligibility and view available subsidised courses.

Check your eligibility Subsidised Training List