The Tree Care Industry Association Foundation (TCIAF) Student Career Days and Student Skills Competition drew around 150 arboriculture, urban forestry and horticulture students from 18 colleges to Charlotte, N.C., Nov. 14-16.
The event was held in conjunction with the TCI EXPO and was sponsored by STIHl, Bartlett Tree Experts, Davey Tree Expert Co., SavAtree, Vermeer Corp., Bandit Industries, Carolina Tree Care and Schneider Tree Care.
The Student Skills Competition, held Nov. 15 at Freedom Park, featured the work climb, belayed scramble and throwline competition event as well as academic events, including safety gear check and a knowledge exam. Volunteers from sponsor companies served as judges for the competition.
Winners of the events received a STIHL chainsaw and included:
- Bryce Crunkilton of Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (Men’s Collegiate Division);
- Katie Hawkins of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah (Women’s Division); and
- Stephan Moore of Northlands Job Corps Center in Vergennes, Vt. (Men’s Vocational Division).
“It is essential to invest in the next generation of tree care experts,” said Mark Chisholm, certified arborist, three-time international tree climbing champion and STIHL spokesperson. “It’s an honor to use my passion for climbing and competing to help students sharpen their skills and encourage them to learn through their personal experiences.”
Nov. 16, students met tree care industry employers at a job and internship fair held at the Charlotte Convention Center.
“Student Career Days provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on skills and build a solid foundation for a career in the tree care industry,” said
, TCIA’s regional outreach coordinator for the Great Lakes. “The contributions from STIHL and our other sponsors help us to cultivate young industry leaders.”
