B
ecause a tangible way to demonstrate
the responsibilities of employees doesn't
always exist, recruiting can be difficult for
many career fields.
Luckily, Don Roppolo, recruiter/trainer, has
the opportunity to organize demonstrations
for students to see what Davey arborists
accomplish during the work day. One of the
ways he recently connected with students was
Climbing to Connect with Students
Don Roppolo, recruiter/trainer (back, left)
demonstrates safe climbing techniques to
horticulture students at Iowa State University.
at Iowa State University, where he exposed a
horticulture class to safe climbing techniques.
"After I talked to the class, I set up the ropes
to let the students try it out," Roppolo says.
"Instead of just talking to them about the
company, I give them the opportunity to
experience one small part of what we do. And,
more often than not, it is the only exposure
they'll have to safe climbing."
Roppolo teaches the importance of safe
climbing when he talks to the students.
"Generally, they haven't climbed a tree that
big—and never safely with a rope and harness,"
Roppolo explains. "It's a two-fold experience:
Students that are interested in the green
industry, but not necessarily tree care, will get
to see how professionally trained arborists at
Davey do things because they someday will
need to hire an arborist. I also get to expose
them to the Davey culture, which may get
them interested in a career with us."
Roppolo has had additional opportunities
to talk to students at other colleges and
universities about more than just climbing.
"I've had the opportunity to teach a number
of different things," Roppolo says, "including:
tree risk assessment, pruning, chainsaw safety
classes, proper tree-felling techniques and safe
rigging techniques for lowering branches."
The classes are opportunities to spark or
foster an existing interest in the tree care
industry. As Roppolo says, "Talking to students
in classes is a much better way to connect
with them than at career fairs where they are
nervous. It also gives us the opportunity to
showcase Davey's professionalism."
Recruiter/trainer Don Roppolo (left)
instructs students during a safe tree
climbing demonstration.
14 | January/February 2014
