A Rigger is a highly skilled professional responsible for the safe and efficient movement, lifting, and positioning of heavy and often complex loads. This role is absolutely crucial in a wide range of industries, including construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, renewable energy, and even live events or theatrical productions. Riggers use specialised equipment such as cranes, hoists, wire ropes, slings, and shackles to perform their tasks. The work involves meticulous planning, assessing load weights and dynamics, selecting appropriate lifting gear, inspecting equipment for safety, and executing the lift with precision. Safety is paramount; Riggers must adhere to stringent health and safety regulations, develop lift plans, and communicate effectively with crane operators and other team members. It's a physically demanding job that requires excellent spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of physics and engineering principles. Training often involves apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and certifications such as NVQs and CPCS cards.
For experienced Riggers in the UK, salaries can range from around 30,000 to 45,000 pounds per year, depending on industry, location, and specific qualifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, whilst highly specialised roles, particularly in offshore or complex engineering projects, can command significantly more.
The UK construction, engineering, and entertainment sectors consistently require skilled Riggers. While specific job numbers fluctuate, the demand for competent professionals remains steady, particularly with ongoing infrastructure projects, renewable energy developments, and live event production. Roles are available across the country, with concentrations in industrial hubs and major cities.
Working hours for Riggers can be variable. While standard full-time hours are common, project deadlines, specific lifts, or event schedules often require early starts, late finishes, and weekend work. Offshore or major construction projects may involve shift patterns or extended periods away from home.
Specialises in setting up and operating rigging systems for live events, concerts, theatre productions, and film sets. This involves working with lighting, sound, scenery, and special effects equipment, ensuring safety and compliance with industry standards.
Focuses on the installation, maintenance, and repair of offshore wind turbines. This role often involves advanced rigging techniques for lifting heavy components, working at height, and operating in challenging marine environments.
Works within tree surgery and forestry, using specialist rigging to safely fell trees, prune branches, and manage large arboreal specimens, often in complex urban or hazardous environments. Requires knowledge of tree mechanics and safe lowering techniques.
Understand what a Rigger does, the environments they work in, and the specific skills and qualifications required.
Start by researching job descriptions for Rigger roles in the UK across different sectors like construction, events, offshore, or manufacturing. Look at what daily tasks involve, the types of equipment used, and the level of responsibility. Websites like the National Careers Service (UK), CITB (Construction Industry Training Board), and specific industry bodies can offer valuable insights into typical career paths and requirements for riggers.
Seek entry-level positions or apprenticeships in related fields to build practical experience with tools, safety, and teamwork.
Consider roles like a 'Labourer' on construction sites, a 'Trainee Scaffolder', or a 'Warehouse Operative' where you'll be involved in moving heavy goods. This experience, even if not directly rigging, helps you develop a strong work ethic, an understanding of site safety protocols, manual handling techniques, and how to work effectively in a team – all crucial for a rigging career. Look for opportunities where you can observe experienced professionals at work.
Completing basic health and safety courses is essential for any construction or industrial role, especially rigging.
Obtain fundamental certifications such as the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, which is often a mandatory requirement for working on UK construction sites. Consider additional courses like 'Manual Handling', 'Working at Height', and 'First Aid'. These demonstrate your commitment to safety and provide you with essential knowledge to protect yourself and others on the job. Many colleges and private training providers offer these courses.
Enrol in a recognised rigging course to learn the theoretical and practical aspects of the trade.
Look for courses approved by industry bodies such as OPITO for offshore, or LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) for general lifting, or those offering NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) levels in rigging or lifting operations. These courses cover critical topics like sling types, knot tying, load calculation, reading lifting plans, communication signals, and the safe use of various lifting equipment. Practical training is key here, often involving hands-on experience with cranes, hoists, and various rigging gear under expert supervision.
Secure the necessary certifications required to work as a qualified Rigger in your chosen sector.
Depending on your specialisation, you might need specific certifications. For offshore work, BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) and MIST (Minimum Industry Safety Training) are typically required. For general construction, an NVQ Level 2 or 3 in 'Controlling Lifting Operations' or 'Slinger Signaller' is highly valued. For theatre/events, certifications like PLASA National Rigging Certificate (NRC) may be essential. These certifications validate your competence and are often a prerequisite for employment.
Consider gaining additional skills that can enhance your employability and career progression.
Think about getting a HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) licence, especially if you'll be transporting equipment, or becoming proficient in operating specific machinery like forklifts or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) through IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) certification. Learning to weld or gaining basic mechanical skills can also be advantageous, particularly in maintenance or fabrication roles related to rigging equipment. These extra skills make you a more versatile and valuable asset to employers.
Start seeking out and applying for Rigger roles, using your new qualifications and experience.
Look for 'Trainee Rigger', 'Assistant Rigger', or 'Slinger/Signaller' positions. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant training, certifications, and any practical experience you've gained. Network with professionals in the industry through events or online platforms like LinkedIn. Be prepared for interviews that might include practical assessments of your rigging knowledge and skills. Many companies are looking for individuals with a strong understanding of safety and a willingness to learn.
Stay updated with industry best practices, new technologies, and pursue opportunities for specialisation.
The rigging industry is constantly evolving with new equipment and safety standards. Attend workshops, seminars, and refresher courses to keep your skills sharp and your knowledge current. Consider specialising in areas like heavy lift rigging, entertainment rigging, marine rigging, or wind turbine rigging. This specialisation can open doors to more advanced and higher-paying roles. Your employer may also offer internal training or support for further qualifications.
Seek out mentors and eventually aim to mentor others or take on supervisory roles.
Learning from experienced riggers is invaluable. Don't be afraid to ask questions, observe best practices, and seek advice from those who have been in the field for years. As you gain experience and confidence, you can progress to leading teams, managing projects, or becoming a 'Lead Rigger' or 'Rigging Supervisor'. This involves not just technical expertise but also strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. You could also become an assessor for new riggers.
Works closely with Riggers and crane operators, primarily responsible for attaching and detaching loads to lifting equipment and directing crane movements using hand signals or radio communication to ensure safe and accurate placement.
Operates various types of cranes to lift, move, and position materials and equipment on construction sites or industrial settings, often working in tandem with Riggers and Slinger Signallers.
Installs steel frameworks for buildings and other structures. This often involves working at height and collaborating with Riggers to hoist and position heavy steel beams and components.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Rigger. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
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A Rigger's primary duties involve the assembly, positioning, and dismantling of structural steel elements using hoists and cranes, which directly aligns with the core responsibilities of a Steel erector, focusing on constructing frameworks and structures.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a construction or engineering course at college. This could help you to find a trainee job with a building company.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply for a place on an Engineering Construction Erector Rigger Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
This takes around 3 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
You can apply directly for jobs if you have relevant experience, qualifications and industry safety cards in construction or engineering.
You'll have an advantage if you've got a powered access licence to work with mobile elevated work platforms.
You can get more details about working and training as a steel erector from Go Construct and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).
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