Discover Trees And Forestry
Our programs in trees and forestry offer exciting careers for graduates. Across the sector, qualified candidates are in demand and earn good salaries. Start your own business or work for a public or private organization. Work in your home community or another province. A career in trees and forestry can take you anywhere you want to go!
As a highly respected and well-known centre for forestry education, Fleming has strong ties to industry. Employers look to Fleming to find well-trained graduates – ensuring you get a head start on your career.
Within our cluster of forestry-related programs, we have multiple options for students. Study trees in urban landscapes, manage forest stands and resources, or provide tree care in the canopy.
Learn more – explore programs below:
Arboriculture Co-op Certificate
Become a production arborist by exploring all aspects of tree care:
- Get the practical skills required to climb, safely prune, and remove trees.
- Learn to operate and maintain equipment and to maintain utility lines.
- Gain foundational skills in tree identification, biology, and health management.
Apprenticeship: The 444A-Arborist and 444B-Utility Arborist apprenticeship curriculum is embedded within the Arboriculture program.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will need to find an employer to sponsor you as an apprentice. You can then apply to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) for an exemption of the in-school training.
You must complete the on-the-job training hours to be eligible to write your Certificate of Qualification and become a 444A/444B-Journeyperson.
Forestry Technician (Optional Co-op)* Diploma
Learn traditional forestry skills combined with the innovative technology currently used in sustainable forest management practices in Ontario, Canada and globally.
- The forest is your classroom – the program includes numerous field excursions to different forest types, including two unique field camp experiences in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region.
- Learn to navigate large forest tracts, evaluate tree stand conditions, and use software to plan forest operations.
- Boost your credentials – complete additional certification courses to become a Tree Marker and Professional Chainsaw Operator.
We offer an international exchange with a partner institution in Italy as well as several pathways to degrees at universities across Canada.
Urban Forestry Certificate
This two-semester program focuses on the non-climbing aspects of the arboriculture and urban forestry profession.
- Learn to identify 140+ tree and shrub species
- Maintain and preserve trees and shrubs in urban landscapes and green spaces.
- Gain hands-on skills – learn to operate and maintain chainsaws, woodchippers and other mechanical equipment.
- Diagnose and remedy major pests, disease, and tree disorders using the latest techniques to promote plant health.
Explore the option to complete both this program and the Arboriculture Co-op within four consecutive semesters. Eligible grads can also pathway into the Urban Forestry Technician diploma program. Visit the program page to view full details.
Urban Forestry Technician Co-op Diploma
Foster stronger communities by learning to care for the trees and greenspaces around you. The Urban Forestry Technician program combines hands-on skills and in-depth theoretical skills to work within a wide range of urban forestry professions from tree care companies to municipal arborists and more.
- Apply principles of tree anatomy and physiology and recommend appropriate arboriculture practices.
- Use a range of GIS tools and technologies to collect, analyze and model the characteristics of urban forests as well as understand urban forest ecosystems.
- Advocate for an integrated approach to urban forestry management. This includes interpreting legislation, regulations, and policies as well as planning and business practices associated with urban forestry.
- Study all aspects of urban forest management from tree seed germination to growth, pruning, and maintenance and wildlife use, to wood recovery after a tree is removed.
- You have the option to complete an Indigenous Perspectives Designation along with your diploma.
Graduate with a diploma after 2 years or continue studies at the University of New Brunswick’s Bachelor of Science in Forestry (Urban Forestry major) to earn a diploma and a degree in just four years. Additional degree pathways are listed on the program page.
Graduate Success
I loved the fact that I was learning hands-on skills I will be using for the rest of my life, such as forest navigation, and I got to be outside while doing so. Where else and what other programs do you get to say you had your exam or test outside in the middle of the forest?"
Hunter Corbiere, Graduate, Forestry Technician with an Indigenous Perspectives Designation
"Becoming an Indigenous Liaison in the forest industry is very important to me. As Indigenous peoples, we were once the guardians of these forests and it’s important that we continue to do so and continue to teach. I have always had the interest and passion to teach others, and one day I hope to teach those about Indigenous values within forestry and other environmental aspects.