To get ISA certified or not?

[bow taylor]

What are peoples thoughts? I have been working in the industry since 1996, I am fully qualified with National Cert in Arb 1yr a Higher National Diploma in Arb 2yr, various NPTC Units and I have a good work experience admittedly the majority of it is in the UK but I have worked in other countries as well, and various sectors amenity, utility and even been self employed for a time. So it can be said that I am experienced but still always learning but my issue is that now I have moved to Canada a lot of the Jobs are advertised are for Certified Arborist. Now I know that from asking possible employers over here that they would take me on based on my resume, I don't have an issue with doing the CA but is it really worth it?

 

[ATH]

.....Canada a lot of the Jobs are advertised are for Certified Arborist......
If you want one of those jobs, yes get Certified.

Now I know that from asking possible employers over here that they would take me on based on my resume

If you find a job you want that doesn't require it, then no.

Ultimately, I think it depends on the market. The employer will know whether it is an asset to the company and clients. My clients expect it, so for the company model it is a necessity. A different situation would say it is not necessary.

I'd have plenty of hours either way because I am always looking to learn something more. If the C.A. didn't matter to the market I work with, I wouldn't send ISA a check...but it does, so I do.

 

[jefflovstrom]

If your work is mostly residential, that, and it may be a regional thing, then you probably already know the answer.
But yes, it is worth it.
Jeff

 

[bow taylor]

There is certainly a difference from the UK to Canada with regards to desired qualifications for positions, CA is very rarely asked for in the UK. However the guys that I have spoken too regarding possible employment opportunities in Canada have said they would be interested in chatting about work even though I don't have CA but the advertised job requires CA or it would be advantageous. Maybe its time to dig out the Arb books and engage the brain cells to do a bit of studying to join the world of CA's! If I have it then it will be a bonus.

 

[mckeetree]

If your work is mostly residential, that, and it may be a regional thing, then you probably already know the answer.
But yes, it is worth it.
Jeff

I know for fact it is a very regional thing. I'm a CA but in my area just east of Dallas, TX it doesn't buy you a lot. I know in some areas it would play an important role.

 

[BC WetCoast]

What the hell kind of residential tree work you doing in Port McNeill (pop about 3000)? It's all cedar and hemlock trees, with the occasional alder and cottonwood. Everybody who lives there is either a logger or a commercial fisherman (or logger who has gone fishing or fisherman who went logging). There is probably a higher per capita number of fallers than anywhere in the world.

 

[bow taylor]

What the hell kind of residential tree work you doing in Port McNeill (pop about 3000)? It's all cedar and hemlock trees, with the occasional alder and cottonwood. Everybody who lives there is either a logger or a commercial fisherman (or logger who has gone fishing or fisherman who went logging). There is probably a higher per capita number of fallers than anywhere in the world.

Yeah I am only living with my farther-in-law who lives Port McNeill and my wife is a Teacher on Call in the Tri Port area. We have only just moved over and it's free rent! I'm planning on moving down the island where there are possible opportunities to do utility and residential tree work. Although saying that I have been given a lot private work but not a enough to justify staying up here.