For the City Times

Urban Forestry Technician students at Mid-State Technical College will receive specialized chainsaw safety and skills training made possible by a sponsorship from Husqvarna. Rip Tompkins, co-owner of globally recognized ArborMaster, will travel from Connecticut to lead the training on the College’s Wisconsin Rapids campus on Dec. 8 and 9.

Tompkins’ instruction will include demonstration and practice of precision chainsaw use, focusing on techniques used by tree care professionals. The training will help students deepen their knowledge and skills related to safe and efficient chainsaw use, including a thorough understanding of the physics involved in tree pruning and removal. The goal is to ensure students truly master these techniques, which lead to a safer and more efficient worksite as well as protect client property.

“Safe and efficient chainsaw use is critical in any occupational field related to tree care, and this training is an important component of the hands-on coursework we provide our Urban Forestry Technician students,” said Mid-State urban forestry instructor Joe Hoffman. “Being able to bring in a world-class trainer helps us continue to produce graduates who are among the nation’s most well trained and sought after in the nationwide arboriculture industry.”