What Arbortrim does

Arbortrim is an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3562) that delivers arboriculture, horticulture, and related vocational training under the legal entity Arbortrim Australia Pty Ltd, headquartered in Hallam, Victoria with a secondary training academy in Laverton North. The company was founded around 1994-1995 and was acquired by Foresite Group in February 2014, operating alongside sister companies OnSite Recruitment (a placement channel for graduates) and Foresite Training. Its product portfolio spans nationally recognised qualifications from Certificate II through Diploma level - including AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture (Climbing and EWP streams), AHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture, AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture, AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations, and UET20321 Certificate II in ESI Powerline Vegetation Control - supplemented by short courses in chainsaw operation (Levels 1-3), EWP licensing, traffic management, working at heights, chemical handling, first aid/CPR, white card, and tree climbing.

The core technology is human-delivered practical instruction, with Microsoft Teams used for virtual classroom delivery of theory components and the Catapult platform handling online assessment, assignment submission, and progress tracking. Courses are priced as one-time fees ranging from approximately A$150 (CPR) to A$10,990 (non-subsidised Diploma), with diploma and certificate-level programs also available under government subsidy schemes including NSW Smart and Skilled and Victorian Skills First.

Revenue is generated through three streams: direct course fees from individuals and enterprise group bookings, government-subsidised training under state VET funding programs, and Australian Apprenticeships traineeship delivery where employers receive federal incentives of up to A$13,000. Customer segments include individuals entering or upskilling in arboriculture, employers in vegetation management and tree services (Citywide, Taylors Trees, Total Tree Contractors, Active Trees), government clients such as the CFA and local councils, and electricity supply industry workers requiring VESI-aligned powerline vegetation control qualifications. The go-to-market is sales-led via direct phone inquiries (1300 366 015), supplemented by industry event participation, association sponsorship, and SEO-driven organic traffic; workplace delivery anywhere in Australia extends reach beyond the Victorian campuses.

Name

Arbortrim

Legal name

Arbortrim Australia Pty Ltd

Website

https://arbortrim.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Arbortrim is an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3562) that delivers arboriculture, horticulture, and related vocational qualifications and short courses to individuals, employers, and government clients across Australia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Training (Arboriculture)

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Agricultural Services (700), Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Crop, Soil & Agronomy Technician Training (EDAOAOAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Tree Care & Arborist Services (BPABADAD), Arborist Consulting, Tree Risk Assessments & Appraisals (HSAIADAJ)

Keywords

• Arboriculture training
• Vocational education
• Chainsaw safety courses
• Tree worker certification
• Horticulture qualifications

Headquarters

HQ city

Hallam

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Course Fees: One-time fees for short courses and qualification programs, ranging from $150 for CPR to $10,990 for non-subsidized Diploma of Arboriculture. Pricing varies by course duration and complexity.
2. Government Subsidized Training: Revenue from government-subsidized training programs including NSW Smart and Skilled and Victorian Skills First. Subsidies available for eligible students up to Certificate III level and for targeted qualifications like Diploma of Arboriculture.
3. Traineeship Programs: Traineeship delivery under Australian Apprenticeships program with employer incentives and trainee support payments from federal government.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Arbortrim is an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3562) registered with ASQA that provides nationally recognized vocational education and training in arboriculture. The company delivers accredited short courses, Certificate II/III, and Diploma-level qualifications for individuals pursuing arborist careers, and offers traineeship and workplace-based training programs for employers in the vegetation management industry. Training is delivered via classroom, virtual, workplace, and traineeship pathways across multiple Australian states.

Product overview

Arbortrim is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3562) offering a portfolio of arboriculture and horticulture qualifications and short courses across Australia. The offering comprises nationally recognised qualifications (Certificate II through Diploma level) including AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture (available in Climbing Arborist and EWP Arborist streams), AHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture, AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture, and AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations. Supporting these are skill sets including Basic Tree Worker Skill Set and Agricultural Chemical Skill Set. The short course portfolio covers chainsaw operation (Levels 1-3), EWP licensing, traffic management, working at heights, first aid/CPR, chemical handling, tree climbing, and specialised courses such as Safe Approach Distances for electrical work, aerial rescue, and VESI/Energy Safe Victoria training. Qualifications are delivered via face-to-face training at Hallam and Laverton North (Victoria) locations, virtual classroom via Microsoft Teams, and workplace-based traineeships. Short courses are available as public bookings or private group training at client sites.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Certificate II in Arboriculture (AHC20416) An entry-level nationally recognized qualification that provides foundational skills for entry-level arboriculture workers, covering basic tree care, chainsaw operation, and worksite safety. Targeted at individuals beginning a career in arboriculture.
• Certificate III in Arboriculture (AHC30820) A trade-level nationally recognized qualification for working arborists, covering advanced climbing, pruning, rigging, felling, and tree removal. Targeted at individuals pursuing a trade-level career in arboriculture and employers seeking qualified staff.
• Diploma of Arboriculture (AHC50920) An advanced nationally recognized qualification preparing senior arborists, consultants, and supervisors for higher-level technical and management roles in tree management. Targeted at experienced arborists and industry professionals seeking career advancement.
• Short Courses (Chainsaw Operations, Working at Heights, EWP) Short-duration skill-specific accredited courses covering chainsaw operations, working at heights, elevated work platform (EWP) operation, and other tree-work safety competencies. Targeted at individuals needing specific tickets/licenses and employers refreshing workforce compliance skills.
• Traineeship Programs Employer-sponsored traineeship pathway combining on-the-job workplace training with formal classroom instruction, enabling staff to earn nationally recognized qualifications while employed. Targeted at employers in the vegetation management industry seeking to upskill or certify their workforce.
• Workplace and Group Training Customized group training programs delivered at employer sites or organized venues for teams of workers, covering qualification units or short-course skill sets. Targeted at vegetation management companies, councils, and contractors requiring multi-staff training delivery.

Quantifiable outcome

• Students find employment within days to weeks of completing training
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and moderate.

• Foresite GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2014Parent company of Arbortrim Australia Pty Ltd, Foresite Group acquired Arbortrim in February 2014 when it had been operating for nearly 20 years under previous owners. Foresite Group encompasses Foresite Training and OnSite Recruitment, providing skills for industry through multiple training and recruitment brands.
• OnSite RecruitmentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 April 2013Sister company established in April 2013 to place skilled personnel completing Arbortrim training programs. Innovative recruitment model combines recruitment with training, development and assessment. Uses plant and machinery to assess ability in work-simulated environments.
• Foresite TrainingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister company RTO under Foresite Group, initially operating as forklift training provider and became RTO in 2009. Delivers training in Road Transport, Civil and Domestic Construction, Warehousing sectors, plus heavy vehicle training and High Risk Work licensing.
• Arboriculture AustraliamajorOthersArbortrim is a Gold Sponsor of Arboriculture Australia (trees.org.au), the national peak body for the arboriculture industry. This sponsorship demonstrates leadership and commitment to quality in arboriculture training.
• Victorian Tree Industry Organisation (VTIO)majorOthersArbortrim is Industry Support Sponsor of VTIO. Rob Buick serves as VTIO Secretary and has been a committee member since 2014. VTIO promotes knowledge and education of arboriculture, disseminates information, and presents workshops and seminars for industry best practice.
• Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI)moderateOthersArbortrim delivers initial and refresher training meeting VESI requirements for vegetation workers. Training includes national accredited qualifications and non-accredited modules for powerline vegetation control workers.
• Energy Safe Victoria (ESV)moderateOthersArbortrim offers comprehensive annual refresher training based on Energy Safe Victoria's annual refresher requirements for vegetation workers holding Certificate II in ESI - Powerline Vegetation Control.
• NSW Smart and SkilledmajorOthersArbortrim is an Approved Smart and Skilled Provider, authorized to deliver AHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture with government subsidies for eligible NSW students.
• Australian ApprenticeshipsmajorOthersArbortrim delivers Certificate III in Arboriculture under Australian Apprenticeships program. Employers may receive up to $13,000 in incentives for traineeships, with priority wage subsidies and trainee support payments available.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• TAFE NSW: New South Wales' largest public RTO offering arboriculture qualifications under the same Smart and Skilled funding program Arbortrim targets, directly competing for NSW Diploma and Certificate III enrolments.
• Box Hill Institute: Victorian TAFE providing arboriculture and horticulture training under Skills First subsidies, competing head-to-head with Arbortrim in the Melbourne metro student market.
• Chisholm Institute: Victorian TAFE in Melbourne's south-east (close to Arbortrim's Hallam campus) offering arboriculture, horticulture, and related vocational training, directly competing for the same south-eastern Melbourne student catchment.
• Melbourne Polytechnic: Victorian TAFE delivering arboriculture and related horticulture/rural training under government subsidies, overlapping with Arbortrim's qualification portfolio in northern Melbourne.
• Holmesglen Institute: Major Victorian TAFE that delivers Certificate III and Diploma-level arboriculture qualifications, directly competing with Arbortrim for the same cohort of students in Melbourne and Victoria and offering government-subsidised training.

Regional players

• Gordon Institute of TAFE: Victorian TAFE serving the Geelong and western Victoria region with arboriculture and related trades training, competing for the same regional student base Arbortrim attracts.
• TAFE Queensland: Major Queensland public RTO offering arboriculture qualifications in a separate geographic market to Arbortrim, providing a useful benchmark for interstate scaling potential.

Emerging players

• Vertical Horizonz: Australian RTO providing arboriculture and tree-industry short courses nationally, an emerging specialist that overlaps with Arbortrim's short-course and ESI Powerline Vegetation Control offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Open Colleges: Large national private RTO offering a wide vocational catalogue including horticulture and related programs; a broad incumbent that competes on flexibility and online delivery rather than arboriculture specialism.

Others

• Arboriculture Australia: The national peak industry body for arboriculture, of which Arbortrim is a Gold Sponsor; not a direct competitor but a key ecosystem participant that influences training standards and industry demand.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/arbortrim
• Facebookfacebook.com/arbortrimtraining
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/arbortrim

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Arbortrim