The Live Event Rigging Apprenticeship, part of the government's 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 entertainment rigging industry.
Key rigging leaders from Blackout, UK Rigging, RTM Rigging, PSI Production Ireland and NEC Group 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 Blackout and NEC Group undertook a test rigging installation, whilst being observed by assessors RTM Rigging's Mark Armstrong, UK Rigging's Harry Box, PSI Production Ireland's 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, team work and communication, and behaviours.
Apprentices are expected to follow an 'on the job' training programme, bolstered by certificated courses, and two week-long residential courses. 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.
Blackout's HR manager Adelaide Johannsen comments: "It is 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 feed back 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."
Paul Rowlands, rigging development manager for the NEC Group added: "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 in 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."
Members of the NRAG are now recruiting for applicants for the Live Event Rigger Apprenticeship, in partnership with Solihull College. If you are interested in finding more about the programme or syllabus, please email jobs@blackout.co.uk
(Jim Evans)
