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February 01, 2025
Hanna first learned about becoming a Line Clearance Tree Trimmer after her grandmother shared information she had watched on the news about a Tree Trim Academy Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
“It took more than a year from the time I applied for the academy to being offered a position at Kappen Tree Service, a company contracted by DTE,” shared Hanna.
Before starting at Kappen Tree Service, Hanna was uncertain about her career pathway. She quickly learned that she didn’t enjoy college and being confined to one spot every day was unbearable. Hanna knew she enjoyed outdoors work where she could engage her mind and body through activities like gymnastics, climbing, lifting, plants and physics.
Hanna loves the apprenticeship program where all those elements are intertwined. She has been working as an Apprentice Line Clearance Tree Trimmer at Kappen Tree Service for the past 10 months and credits her grandma for her support.
“I have become more disciplined, resilient, assertive, safety-conscious, and less anxious. I believe the best is still ahead of me,” shared Hanna. She is most proud of her personal growth and earning her Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
“Hanna is a small package with a big punch,” shared Jason Kappen, Kappen Tree Service co-owner. “Hanna is fantastic. She has a great attitude, an ambitious heart and determination.”
Hanna's advice to those entering a similar apprenticeship program is to be a sponge, keep an open mind and recognize that discomfort is an unavoidable part of learning.
“Don't mistake a rough patch as something you don't like because having discomfort shows where there’s room for growth," said Hanna. "Stick with uncomfortable situations because those situations can mold you into someone who doesn't avoid challenges.”