Is becoming a rigger right for me?
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How to become a Rigger
Riggers must have at least a high school education. Many start out as helpers and learn through on-the-job training. In most countries, including the U.S. and Canada, riggers and rig technicians working in the oil, mining or heavy manufacturing industries must have a combination of technical training and apprenticeship. They usually start as a registered apprentice or hold a trade certificate, and once a certain number of apprenticeship years have been completed, become a journeyman. The apprenticeship program involves technical training in the classroom, but most of the training is done under the guidance of a journeyman technician.
Other important personal characteristics include:
- the ability to communicate effectively and work well with others as part of a team
- good organizational and management skills
- physical strength and stamina
- mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity
- enjoys working with machinery and equipment
- patience, good judgement, attention to detail
- good vision and hearing, and spatial relationship skills
- ability to follow directions and obey safety rules
Riggers who have good management skills can often go on to own and operate their own companies, or move into management positions within the industry.