This is an estimate of the time it will take to complete the most relevant course associated with this occupation. It’s based on the amount of time taken to complete this course and doesn’t take into account personal circumstances or barriers.
This data is sourced from the training providers. For more detailed information, contact the training provider for the course you’re interested in.
Average pay is based on the average annual taxable income for people working in this occupation in Australia. Income tends to increase with the amount of time spent in a field. These figures are intended as a guide only, rather than a prediction of future earnings.
Annual taxable income data has been sourced from Taxation Statistics 2014-15 published by the Australian Taxation Office.
This is an indication of the level of demand for workers in a particular field. If demand is strong, there’s a higher chance of employment after completing training, meaning your employment prospects for this occupation are strong. If demand is low, the likelihood of employment after training will be lower, and your employment prospects will be poor.
Employment forecast figures are sourced from Deloitte Access Economics (2015) Victorian employment projections for 2016 to 2031.
This number tells you how many people are currently working in this field. The numbers in this section reflect the total amount of workers in this occupation in Victoria.
The information in this section is sourced by the Higher Education and Skills Group, from the industry and regulatory bodies for this occupation.
You should always contact the relevant industry or regulatory body directly for the most detailed and up to date information about the licensing for any occupation.
The information in this section is sourced from industry representatives and professional associations. It is reflective of current demands within the industry for this occupation.
Our ‘Recommended’ section reflects the skills and qualifications that prospective employers may look favourably upon when considering an applicant.
For more information about pre-apprenticeship courses, see our pre-apprenticeships page.
The information in this section is sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with input from industry bodies.
This information is intended as a guide only. Each job will vary depending on the nature of the role, the employer, and the employee.
VIDEO: Graphic on screen: Interview with Mitchell Shellie: Talking about his job as an arborist Mitchell Shellie standing on a suburban street, dressed in work clothes, construction signage and truck in the background.
VIDEO: Mitchell Shellie standing on a suburban street, dressed in work clothes, construction signage and truck in the background.
Graphic on screen: Arborist Mitchell Shellie Moonee Valley Council Moonee Valley
AUDIO: To become an arborist; well, you need a love of working outside; be physically fit and just always alert and on your toes.
VIDEO: Mitchell Shellie moving cut-down branches for disposal.
AUDIO: Well, for me working in the council, it’s the consistent hours from seven in the morning till four in the afternoon.
VIDEO: Council arborist inspecting trimmed tree from a cherry picker.
AUDIO: Well, the main tasks that I take up being the council arborist as an apprentice is pruning trees, uplifting, removing hazardous and dead trees, clearing from the service and power lines.
VIDEO: Mitchell Shellie picking up branches and feeding them into a mobile chipper.
AUDIO: Clearing trees from obstructing signs as well, so when you’re driving past you’re able to see them. And yeah, picking up branches when they fall off and putting them through the chipper.
AUDIO: Um, me favourite part about being and arborist is I reckon going up in the bucket and cutting at heights.
VIDEO: Council arborist in a cherry picker, trimming branches with a small chainsaw.
AUDIO: And climbing every now and again; going up, just on your bit of rope, walking out on limbs with your chainsaw and just pruning.
AUDIO: It’s a bit scary at first but once you get over the nerves it’s quite enjoyable.
VIDEO: Mitchell Shellie is watching his colleague up in the cherry picker while another council arbourist is raking up twigs and small branches at the base of the tree.
AUDIO: I knew I’d learn about some trees throughout the apprenticeship; with being an arbourist, but it’s just amazing how much information you retain after just a little bit of classing.
VIDEO: Mitchell Shellie cutting branches with an extendable pole saw.
AUDIO: How they’re teaching you all the different species; all the types of families that the trees come from; all the different kinds.
AUDIO: Just for instance, we’ve got the tree here; it’s a lophostemon. And the one just behind us that we did the pruning on just before; that was a Fraxinus angustifolia – sub-species oxycarpa. Also commonly known as the desert ash.
VIDEO: Mitchell Shellie trimming branches with an extendable pole saw while council arborists watch on.
AUDIO: It’s definitely a job that requires passion for it. You may not think at the start but it will grow on you.
AUDIO: I reckon it’s completely important to enjoy what you’re doing at work. Because if you’re not enjoying it and you’re not having fun, you’re not gonna want to rock up to work; where I want to rock up every day. I love it. No other way to put it.
VIDEO: (fade to black) Graphic on screen: State Government Victoria Insignia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development © State of Victoria 2012
Students may be eligible for government-subsidised training. This is only offered by training providers who have a contract with the Victorian Government to deliver government-subsidised training.
If you're eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of the training.
Government-subsidised training is marked with this symbol . Course availability data is sourced from the Australian Course Information Register.