With this in mind, Tomcat is reintroducing its popular Tomcat U for newcomer and veteran riggers and hoist technicians in the entertainment industry.
The 2014 Tomcat U takes place from 17-20 February in Knoxville, Tennessee, home to the Tomcat factory and epicentre for the education of riggers and hoist technicians.
"The schools give extra value. I've been to three Tomcat schools and have used this training in practical applications. The knowledge and hands on experience from TOMCAT U have given me the confidence to handle situations when they turn nasty," says Kurt Jaeckel, Quickbeam Systems.
Tomcat U is an annual all-inclusive four-day hoist and rigging school given by experienced industry professionals in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is a combination of hands-on workshops and information-filled lectures on a wide variety of specialized areas.
Some of the subjects covered include instruction on truss designs and their use, safe rigging practices and principles, using chain hoists and troubleshooting, and fall protection. By the end of the four days, you will have a better understanding of truss, how to work with it more effectively, how to increase your personal safety and how to increase the safety of your structures.
"Tomcat U is a really positive experience for riggers and users of truss. It's a fun thing all around. Everyone who attends it has a blast," says Dana Bartholomew, FTSI.
In addition to the knowledge and training you receive, Tomcat U is also a social gathering of like-minded professionals and newcomers in this "entertaining" slice of the entertainment industry. Whether you have 30 years in the business or you're just starting out, it's an amazing networking opportunity that can help you gain important contacts, while making new friends and exchanging information.
Participants include many interesting and dynamic riggers and hoist technicians, who always have a wide range of entertaining recollections and even some horror stories from the wonderful world of truss.
(Jim Evans)
