To work as a rigger, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school.

On-the-job training

Riggers learn their skills on the job from an experienced rigger. During training, you start with simple tasks, such as setting up equipment and hoisting loads. As you get more experience, you learn to design systems for hoisting loads. Training generally lasts up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to work as cargo specialists. Training lasts two to six weeks. Further training occurs on the job.