Rigger

So, you want to be a Rigger ?

Here’s what you need.

• enjoy practical outdoor work 
• physically fit 
• able to work at heights 
• good with hands 
• able to work as part of a team

What do Riggers do?

Riggers assemble and install rigging gear such as cables, ropes, pulleys and winches to lift, lower, move or position machinery, structural steel and other heavy objects.

Riggers may perform the following tasks:

• examine objects to be moved, estimate their size, shape and weight and decide on the type of equipment necessary to move them 
• erect a temporary jib or derrick (lifting devices) if required, and install cables, pulleys and other tackle 
• choose or make slinging equipment and attach it to the load 
• erect cranes and mobile crane booms, and increase the height of tower cranes by bolting component parts in place and rigging cables 
• splice ropes and cables to make slings and tackle 
• erect structural steel for buildings or plants under construction 
• erect precast-concrete panels used on facades of buildings 
• inspect, maintain and repair equipment 
• make sure that safety requirements are met at all times.

How do I become a Rigger?

Firstly, you will need to do some work experience so that you know what the job is about. You can then find an employer that is looking for a trainee rigger or you may wish to go directly to a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and complete your basic riggers course before looking for employment.

What Next?

Once you are a Rigger in the construction industry, you can continue working for small or large companies and move into leading hand, supervising or management positions. You might even want to start your own business and employ workers yourself. Some riggers even go on to further education to complete courses from Certificate IV to bachelor level. There are plenty of options for qualified riggers including gaining more qualifications such as dogger, crane operator and many more.