INTERVIEW
UK RIGGING: PROJECT X To address the severe shortage of qualified riggers in the entertainment industry, UK Rigging launches a new incentive to train up the next generation of those rigging at height.
Words: Stew Hume Photos: UK Rigging
There is not a single specialism within the world of live events that hasn’t grappled with the recent issue of the lack of crew, with many companies and organisations launching incentives to bring more people into the sector. Few companies have gone as far as footing the bill for those looking to get certified, but that is just what UK Rigging is doing in an attempt to provide the industry with a fresh batch of qualified riggers, ready to work at height and provide the backbone to the world’s greatest shows.
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Under the moniker of Project X, UK Rigging recently welcomed the first six new recruits who are undergoing an intensive 12-month programme, which will see them achieve their National Rigging Certificate (NRC) and become certified entertainment riggers. TPi visited the company’s Bolton office to catch up with the co-ordinators of this new venture, Amy Griffin, Project Coordinator, and Rachel Redfern, HR Manager. “There is a critical shortfall of riggers in the UK at the moment,” asserted Redfern. “The
issue has been percolating for the past few years but now things have become much more serious.” She went on to explain that in many cases there are simply too many shows for the dwindling number of riggers to deal with. The main issue facing would-be riggers is gaining enough experience to become NRC certified. “The NRC is vital to ensure that everyone rigging at height is doing so safely, but new recruits need plenty of hands-on experience before they can pass the NRC assessment process,” explained Redfern. “Rigging shifts are very fast-paced and safety-critical. There is currently very little incentive for riggers, venues, productions and rigging companies to physically slow down a shift in order to provide safe and structured learning experience.” There is also the initial start-up cost to consider. “You’re looking at close to £1,500 when you are starting out to get all the equipment you need,” stated Redfern. “That’s a massive start up, especially when new starters might not be earning anything as they are trying to gain experience.” According to Redfern, the result is that most of those entering the world are people who already have a connection to someone already working as a rigger. Despite the difficulties in getting into the discipline, Redfern reported how UK Rigging is constantly being approached by people desperate to make inroads into the industry. “Most rigging companies, including us, take on trainees into their warehouse who go out on site occasionally, but it occurred to us that teaching someone how to be an employee is not the best way to turn someone into a freelancer – and if we have put in that time and energy, we don’t necessarily want them to go out as a freelancer. On top of that, the people who want to be freelancers don’t want to work in a warehouse for three years.” With full support and input from the