Rigger jobs: What you need to know about this career

Are you interested in working as a rigger? You’ll need to be physically fit for this job since you’ll be responsible for moving and positioning heavy loads using various methods and equipment. Riggers can find employment in a wide range of industries across South Africa, so visit Job Mail today to find suitable rigger jobs near you.

Job overview and duties

Riggers are most commonly found in the construction, oil, mining, industrial, commercial, power, and telecommunication industries. They are responsible for lifting, transporting, positioning, pulling, and securing heavy equipment, machines or oversized loads.

Riggers can work in a wide range of industries and complete various tasks. For example, in a military setting, riggers will be responsible for maintaining and setting up things like parachutes and other airdrop equipment. In the marine industry, they are responsible for keeping the ship functioning by setting up pieces of equipment like pulleys, ropes, cables, and winches.

Duties in other applications include setting up systems to move large objects whilst guiding crane operators to move and place objects in the right position or location, assembling, and dismantling equipment and structures safely and maintaining the equipment they work with.

These professionals make use of the following equipment to get the job done:

• Cranes
• Overhead lifting gear
• Pulleys and hoists
• Load-moving dollies
• Hydraulic jacks
• Flatbed trucks

Employment opportunities

A rigger can find employment in the following industries:

• Construction
• Petroleum
• Mining
• Industrial
• Commercial
• Power
• Telecommunications
• Medical
• Military
• Marine
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Ship building

You can expect moderate local and international employment opportunities, moderate income potential, and low market competitiveness. Self-employment opportunities are low.

Skills and attributes

Understanding the skills and aptitudes that are required to work as a rigger can help you decide whether this is the right career for you. If you have a fear of heights, you’ll want to think twice before pursuing this career. The skills and attributes that are required to get the job done include:

• Good mental and physical wellbeing
• Physical stamina
• Being observant
• Responsible and trustworthy
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Safety-conscious
• Willingness to travel
• Ability to complete jobs quickly and efficiently
• Good communication skills
• Inspections skills

Educational requirements

To work as a rigger, you’ll need a senior certificate with matric exemption. While the entry requirements vary between different tertiary education institutes mathematics, technical drawing, physical sciences, and metalwork are beneficial school subjects to take for this career. You also need to have a valid driver’s licence (EB) for this career.

Other requirements:

• Valid Rigger Trade Test Certificate (Preferably Section 13)
• Minimum N2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering – Available at various educational institutes across South Africa
• An apprenticeship. To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to begin with theoretical training at a FET college and practical training from an accredited training centre. Then you need to undergo in-service training under the supervision of a qualified tradesman. The final step is to pass a compulsory trade test set out by the Department of Labour, which will qualify you as an artisan. The apprenticeship typically has a duration of 4 years but can be done in a shorter time period provided that the candidate has higher educational qualifications.

With the right skills and training, you can build a successful career as a rigger. Are you looking for employment opportunities? Find rigger jobs on Job Mail today.