Tree Pruning

In collaboration with Commission Scolaire de Laval

Program objectives

The Tree Pruning vocational program aims to train students for the occupation of tree pruner.

Tree pruners may work for three types of businesses: arboricultural services, clearing services for electrical and telecommunications systems, as well as municipal services.

Tree pruners must use climbing and access equipment, chain saws, pruning knives, hand saws, chippers, stump cutters, etc. Moreover, this work demands a good knowledge of tree species, know-how in many climbing and cutting techniques, a heightened sense of responsibility when it comes to health and safety at work, and an ability to adapt easily.

This occupation is for those who enjoy working outdoors and enjoy tasks that are both technical and varied. This work is physically demanding due to the nature of certain tasks such as climbing, and due to meteorological conditions.

Over time, experienced tree pruners may take on more responsibilities in matters pertaining to arboriculture. They may diagnose trees, estimate work to be done, manage teams and eventually become business owners.

Admission conditions

To be eligible for admission to this program, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

Persons holding a Secondary School Diploma or its recognized equivalent, for example, an Attestation of Equivalence of Secondary V studies, or a postsecondary diploma such as the Diploma of College Studies or a Bachelor’s degree
OR
Persons who are at least 16 years of age on September 30 of the school year in which their training is to begin and have earned the Secondary III credits in language of instruction, second language and mathematics in the programs of study established by the Minister, or have been granted recognition of equivalent Learning
OR
Persons who are at least 18 years of age upon entry into the program and have the following functional prerequisites: the successful completion of the General Development Test (see the following table), or recognition of equivalent Learning
OR
Persons who are at least 16 years of age on September 30 of the school year in which their vocational training is to begin in a specific program of study, who hold a Training Certificate in a Semiskilled Trade, and who earned the required credits in language of instruction, second language and mathematics in Secondary Cycle One in general education in the youth sector or in Secondary II in general education in the adult sector
OR
Persons who are 15 years of age or older on June 30 of the school year preceding their admission to a pilot project involving concurrent general education and practical training, who have attained vocational maturity and who have earned their Secondary II credits in language of instruction, second language and mathematics. By means of concurrent admission with an integrated schedule, they will continue their vocational training and their general education in the youth sector to complete the Secondary III prerequisites they need to obtain their vocational training diploma. Authorization by the Ministère is required for the concurrent admission of a student in Secondary III to the programs of study.

Targeted professions (Link to Emploi Québec’s IMT En ligne)

Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists (2225)
Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers (8612)

Functional prerequisites

A person who has reached the age of 18 can be admitted to a program of study leading to a Diploma of vocational studies (DVS) based on functional prerequisites. These prerequisites, in place for those aged at least 18 years at the start date declared for the vocational training program, are: successful completion of the general development test (GDT) and obtaining and passing the tests relative to the specific prerequisites in the language of instruction and mathematics, if applicable.

This table indicates the new course codes for common core basic education (CCBE) and diversified basic education (DBE) required for the specific prerequisites in language of instruction and mathematics for the targeted program of study. In the cases where the new course codes for the CCBE and the DBE are in progressive implementation, the old codes are indicated in parenthesis and are still valid. The equivalent course codes in basic education in the youth sector are also indicated in the table. When a DVS does not require any specific prerequisites in language of instruction or in mathematics, a (-) will be displayed in the appropriate field. Please note that the functional prerequisites do not apply to attestation of vocational specialty (AVS) programs.

Program content