Looking to Place Young, Trained, Rockstars

18+ deals with a federal requirement regarding the use of dangerous equipment...chainsaws/ chippers/stumpers included...unless it is an immediate family member of the owner, much like farm duty. Raking and dragging brush gets really old really fast.
 
18+ deals with a federal requirement regarding the use of dangerous equipment...chainsaws/ chippers/stumpers included...unless it is an immediate family member of the owner, much like farm duty. Raking and dragging brush gets really old really fast.
Hmmm interesting, perhaps I should investigate that? Never heard of such a thing in Canada. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Thanks for that info.
 
18+ requirement as well due to federal child labor laws (USA). Also between age 16 and 18 Pennsylvanians have a junior drivers license. One of the restrictions on that license is they are not allowed to drive “for” work.
 
I wouldn't hire almost any 18 year old, unless it was just to drag brush and rake. Probably most would have too little common-sense. By the time most are about 25, they might have a clue.

I would hire someone like I was, when I was 18, but not to drive my trucks. A very easy place for someone to get in over their heads, where I can't supervise, nor take over. IMO, my biggest risk exposure is employees driving my vehicles.


If they came in trained and capable, ready and open for more training, they could fit very well, at 18.



Its a state requirement for people in this industry to be 18+.
 
Hopefully that 18 yrs old rule isn’t applicable in Canada as I’d be on the most wanted list lol. I’m 16 and have been climbing for 2 yrs. I work all day every weekend and evenings after school ( climbing not dragging brush). I’d say if the kid can talk the talk and your getting good vibes then give them a shoot. I’m thankful for everyone who’s taken a chance with me to show them what I can do.
 
Stepping back to your “close ratio” from class to career, I second flyingsquirrel and would add that you are also building an appreciation for the industry and an understanding of what proper practices look like, into the general populace (those that don’t follow through). I think the only real problem is the networking and building a system for these students to find opportunities to get going. Also not having more programs like yours. I’m fired up just knowing you’re doing this- it’s such a crucial piece for advancing the industry!
 
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I also think that there could be some opportunities for graduating students to have a "work/study" or professional apprenticeships with certain companies. Classes on some days, work on others. Would require one to sign on for X amount of time though.

Keep up the good work.
 
I will share all of this with any kids that have promise. I agree that education is paramount to improving the industry as a whole. This is one of the huge reasons I decided to go into teaching. The younger we can open their eyes to proper arboriculture the better our chances of retaining them. Again thanks for the feedback.
 
Rugger01 I am in Northbridge, MA. Probably an hour from Dighton. I went to Stockbridge for Commercial Arb and Urban Forestry at UMass. I know Dr. DR, BK, and Mark, Dr. DR's almost replacement is a friend. Met several folks from Bristol Aggy there. Of course, our class was quite small, approximately 12. Really was a great place for me.

I've been running a company for 4 years here. Mass arborist/ MAA member. Really really interested in getting guys on the crew who are interested in furthering themselves in the industry. We climb everything here. No bucket. Lots of crane boys in the neighborhood so we've nesttled into a great niche for most climbing jobs. Work 40 hours a week for probably 9-10 months out of the year with a 3-4 man crew. Don't cut corners. Don't expect someone to rake and drag for life. I train guys, but they're not soaking up information/experience because they just are there for the check. I'm not a cheapskate, and we charge accordingly. Please private message me if you have anyone of interest. Only right down the road. I'm absolutely willing to take extra time to help young motivated entry level guys increase their skill. Could hire someone tomorrow.

Thanks,
Sam Foppema
 
I’m located in Jacksonville Florida and can guarantee an opportunity to a graduate. I have 25+ full time employees, comp, benefits, equipment etc. I know your lookin local, just thought I would mention it.
 
@CanaryBoss; Welcome to the TreeBuzz forum! I think you are going to like it here! Please tell all of your employees about the existence of the online forums, if they are not already aware of them. There is a wealth of information available in the archives, which can be found by using the forum's search utility, for nearly every subject that relates to tree work. Thanks for your time.

Tim
 
To all of you guys who think employees need to be at least 18 ( not talking about wc ins) I call BS. And will open myself up to flaming. My son who is 12 works for me, I have always allowed him to try new experiences and don't baby him but Always point out potential hazards. He is a careful and thoughtful worker, has run out wheel loader for years feeding the chipper. We go to the racetrack together, he has a Ninja 300 and routinely hits 106mph (top speed). He is a wiz on an excavator and last night he ran out 35 ton Grove and I flew the ball and we took down a big white pine, 35 cubic yards of chips and a log. I felt totally comfortable with the entire process.
He sets his own alarm and is at the shop by 7 with water and lunch ready to go
It ain't the age of the kid it's the upbringing and experiences they have that makes them. Woody (my son) wants to be a chef but whatever he decides to do I am confident he won't be a bum
 
To all of you guys who think employees need to be at least 18 ( not talking about wc ins) I call BS. And will open myself up to flaming. My son who is 12 works for me, I have always allowed him to try new experiences and don't baby him but Always point out potential hazards. He is a careful and thoughtful worker, has run out wheel loader for years feeding the chipper. We go to the racetrack together, he has a Ninja 300 and routinely hits 106mph (top speed). He is a wiz on an excavator and last night he ran out 35 ton Grove and I flew the ball and we took down a big white pine, 35 cubic yards of chips and a log. I felt totally comfortable with the entire process.
He sets his own alarm and is at the shop by 7 with water and lunch ready to go
It ain't the age of the kid it's the upbringing and experiences they have that makes them. Woody (my son) wants to be a chef but whatever he decides to do I am confident he won't be a bum
Man thats's fantastic! Sounds like you are a great father and roll model. But I think for business, not family run stuff, there may be legislation prohibiting hiring people under 18 in hazardous work? I personally haven't looked into it here in BC Canada, and probably won't need to seeing as most of the teenagers around here just want to party and smoke weed all day.
 
You can work family, at a certain age. You CANNOT work non family under 18. He it is in black and white
 

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