When Paul Scharfenberger stepped into his role as Training and Development Specialist at Wachtel Tree Science, he brought with him 27 years of experience, including two decades as a crew leader. His transition into a full-time training role marked a significant shift for the company, which had previously only dedicated part-time resources to structured training. Now, with the implementation of the Tree Care Academy (TCA) Training Hub, Paul is spearheading a new approach to employee development that draws on TCIA’s expertise in training and technology.

A Framework for Success

One of the most significant advantages of the Training Hub is the online structure and organization it provides. “It gives me a nice framework to work within, so I don’t need to create training from scratch,” Paul shares. Previously, new hires went through a single orientation day followed by on-the-job training with a crew leader. Now, with an additional orientation day and access to the Training Hub, new employees have a clearer, more comprehensive learning path.

The Training Hub has been particularly beneficial for onboarding. “It’s been really helpful to train new hires. Before, there wasn’t much in place beyond an initial orientation and shadowing a crew leader. Now, the Training Hub ensures that every employee gets standardized training,” Paul explains.

Addressing Training Challenges

While adopting new technology can be challenging, Paul notes that most staff have adapted well. “Technology can be challenging , but for the most part, it’s more of a generational thing than an arborist thing.”

Beyond technical training, the Training Hub also offers an accessible environment for valuable soft skills development. “Leadership training, in general, is something we struggle with the most—how to lead employees, interact with clients. Many tree care workers are introverted, so it’s nice to have those kinds of resources at our fingertips,” Paul says.

Enhancing Crew Leadership Training

Looking ahead, Paul is excited to focus on developing crew leaders using the Crew Leader Specialist training. “I was really impressed by the first few chapters of that training—it speaks to areas where our company needs to grow. I’m assigning chapters and then meeting with small groups to discuss them, like a book club,” he explains. This approach encourages deeper engagement and reflection, benefiting employees at various levels of experience.

Even seasoned professionals can find value in the training. “Honestly, even going through the Ground Operations module, I found a few things that made me think, ‘That’s a good idea—I hadn’t thought of that before,’” Paul admits. “There’s always something new to learn.”

A Promising Future

With 40 employees now having access to the Training Hub, Wachtel Tree Science is still in the early stages of fully utilizing its potential. But for Paul, the benefits are already clear. “The main thing is that it’s a really good framework that’s already put together and vetted by professionals. We trust TCIA, and that makes all the difference.”

“The Training Hub is an indispensable resource for tree care companies, providing training administrators with a streamlined, all-in-one platform to efficiently manage employee development. It saves valuable time, ensures consistency in training, and allows for easy tracking of employee progress, ultimately helping companies build a safer, more skilled workforce,” said Virginia Gregoire, Director, Educational Strategy and Development at TCIA. “We’re excited for Paul and here to support him every step of the way.”

 

TCIA supports your employees through all career stages. The Tree Care Academy (TCA) programs help arborists grow their skills, increase safety awareness, and enhance their desirability to employers. TCIA members gain free access to a TCA Training Hub to manage employee training and receive exclusive member pricing on every course. Most courses are online and user-friendly, allowing staff to train on the go. Advanced certifications are available for safety professionals, crew leaders, and trainers. To learn more about TCIA’s training and certification programs, click here.

If you’re a TCIA member, click here to schedule a free consultation to learn more about the TCA Training Hub and get one set up for your company – free!