Climber apprentice getting some work done up top

[moss]

There's an old family pub type bar in my town where it's not unusual to find workers from various tree services getting some dinner and a draft after a hard day's work. Some great conversations ensue, recently an experienced climber described how an old-timer explained how he trained climbers back in the day. It was basically an apprentice system, first step was to get the trainee on rope and then have him follow an experienced climber through the tree. The trainees job was to throw all the wood out of the tree. Sounds simple but I think it's a brilliant way to safely introduce a climber to the various phases of tree work.

I've been gradually introducing my ground worker to climbing, this video captures his second session working up high, this one deadwooding a sugar maple. Since the drop zone was a little tight for throwing wood I reversed it and he did the cutting, I threw.

-AJ

 

[Tuebor]

I don't want a tree work job but I'd love to follow a working climber around the tree like this and have him explain what he's doing and why, how he decided to approach the job, plan the work, etc. Informal tutoring.

 

[moss]

Whoever can spot the person going under and my pause while that happens get's a prize ;-)

 

[moss]

I don't want a tree work job but I'd love to follow a working climber around the tree like this and have him explain what he's doing and why, how he decided to approach the job, plan the work, etc. Informal tutoring.

The challenge is you don't want to interfere with a tree worker's productivity. If you're not planning to work for them beyond a couple climbs it will be a bit harder to convince someone to take you along. All this is about relationships, sooner or later you'll find someone who will go along with your idea on the right job for it. Best way to get that going is to do some rec climbs with some arbs in your area.
-AJ

 

[Reg]

Great way to break him in. Much less of a worry when you're up there with a new climber. I like the sound of that pub too.

 

[SJ_Treeguy]

This is a great way to train new climbers going back to the apprenticeship program!!

 

[jdhoward]

the union I work for wants to get an apprenticeship program together for line clearance. For right now though I had my guys watch and learn a little bit and then i put them in easier trees and talk them through it. It works I've trained 5 people how to climb in the last 6 months, they're still learning as they go.

 

[CutHighnLetFly]

Wish I coulda learned like that! I was thrown to the wolves to start!

 

[moss]

Wish I coulda learned like that! I was thrown to the wolves to start!

That's the true old-school, it's inherited from the traditions in the trades in general. Doesn't need to be that way, if you recognize the potential in a hard worker it's worth bringing them into the climbing part in a way that maximizes their learning and safety, and I think it gets them productive faster. Different styles for different business owners, the boot camp way works too but I'm not into yelling all day!
-AJ

 

[ctree]

Nice job Moss. Lucky kid to have a patient, knowledgeable teacher.