Rigging Industry Successfully Trials Live Events Trailblazer Apprenticeship


Rigging industry experts from across the UK have joined forces at Birmingham’s’ Barclaycard Arena to trial the Trailblazer Live Event Rigging Apprenticeship assessment. 

The Live Event Rigging Apprenticeship, part of the governments’ Trailblazer scheme encouraging three million new apprentices by 2020, has been developed by the National Rigging Advisory Group (NRAG) to provide formal training to new recruits, supporting them beyond the National Rigging Certificate Level 2, and plug the gap in trainee numbers to fill increasing demand throughout the rigging industry. 

Key rigging leaders from the NEC Group, Blackout, UK Rigging, RTM Rigging, and PSI Production Ireland attended the trial run of the newly-created Live Event Rigging Apprenticeship, to scrupulously test the assessment format and marking system before it is formally launched to the industry in September. 

Six trainee volunteer riggers from the NEC Group and Blackout undertook a test rigging installation, whilst being observed by assessors RTM Riggings’ Mark Armstrong, UK Riggings’ Harry Box, PSI Production Irelands’ Sean Pagel and rigging consultant Eric Porter. The assessors marked the trainees against six practical units covering general health & safety, work methods, rigging skills and techniques, working at height, teamwork and communication, and behaviours. 

Apprentices are expected to follow an ‘on the job’ training programme, bolstered by certificated courses, and two week-long residentials. After achieving NRC Level 2, the ‘gateway’, students will further enhance their skill set by creating an e-portfolio, attending an observation day and completing a spoken VIVA. Successful candidates will obtain a Level 3 NVQ. 

Paul Rowlands, Rigging Development Manager for the NEC Group and chair of the initiative, said:

“The day provided us with some very insightful feedback that can be used when modifying the final assessment product.  By involving both current trainees and an expert assessment team, we hope to provide a well-rounded and thorough apprenticeship, which stands apprentices in good stead for a career in rigging.  

“This is a big move for the industry, so ensuring the right assessment methods are implemented is paramount to its success.” 

Harry Box, a Trailblazer assessor from UK Rigging explained: “Currently there aren’t enough riggers to meet industry requirements so this apprenticeship gives employers a pathway to service this demand. It is possibly not a career that many school leavers feel they could consider so this is a fantastic way of getting fresh talent into the industry; training individuals to the high standards required for health & safety, life skills and specific rigging skills. I think the assessment went really well, proving useful for both assessors and trainees who kindly gave up their time to help us push this innovative industry development forward.” 

Blackout’s HR manager Adelaide Johannsen added: “It is a testament to the hard work and commitment to the rigging industry of the NRAG members that we have successfully developed the Trailblazer Live Event Rigging apprenticeship to this point. Following the trial run in which key experts and trainees kindly gave up their time to feedback on the syllabus content, we are now in the position to ensure the course is perfected to the highest of standards for the enrolling pupils.” 

For more information on the programme or syllabus please email [email protected]

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