How to Become a Rigger or Dogman

Riggers and dogmen help lift and position heavy equipment, steel and materials. A dogman picks and attaches the right lifting gear and directs the crane, especially when the operator can't see the load. A rigger does that too, and also rigs structures and equipment, depending on their licence level. The work is busiest during construction, maintenance and shutdowns.

At a glance

• Where you'll work: mine sites, processing plants, LNG facilities, construction projects, workshops.
• Usual way in: a trade assistant or labouring job, then lifting licences.
• Uni needed? No.
• Time to qualify: licence courses are short, but you build supervised experience between levels.
• Rosters: shutdown work is often FIFO with intense, short swings.

What the job involves

• Working out load weights and choosing lifting gear.
• Inspecting slings, shackles and chains.
• Slinging and attaching loads.
• Directing crane movements with hand signals or radio.
• Rigging structures and equipment, at higher licence levels.
• Keeping people clear of suspended loads.

At school

• Maths, for measurement and load calculations.
• Physics.
• Engineering or design and technology.
• English.

Practical projects help build spatial awareness. Communication and focus matter a lot around heavy loads.

How to qualify

In many countries, including Australia, dogging and rigging need a high risk work licence or a similar certification. You train with an approved provider and get assessed. Rigging usually comes in levels, such as basic, intermediate and advanced.

A dogging licence doesn't cover rigging work, and a basic rigging licence doesn't cover advanced rigging. The licence must match the job. Check the rules with the safety regulator where you'll work.

Common ways in:

• A trade assistant or labouring role.
• A rigging apprenticeship, where available.
• Construction work, then moving to mining or energy projects.
• Shutdown contractors and specialist lifting companies.

Your first job

Job titles to search for:

• Trade Assistant
• Shutdown Trade Assistant
• Rigger Trainee
• Dogman
• Rigger
• Lifting Crew Member

Entry-level support roles get you site experience, but they don't let you do licensed work on your own.

Tickets and training

• Your dogging and rigging licences.
• Working at heights and confined space tickets.
• First aid.
• Site inductions and a medical.

Where it can lead

Trade Assistant → Dogman → Basic Rigger → Intermediate or Advanced Rigger → Rigging Supervisor → Lifting Supervisor or Project Coordinator

With experience you can specialise in complex lifts, shutdowns or lift planning. Many riggers also go on to become crane operators.

What employers look for

• Safe work habits.
• Accurate communication.
• Teamwork.
• The confidence to stop an unsafe lift.
• Physical fitness, along with good technical judgement.

Is it for you?

It suits you if you like hands-on work, heavy equipment and being part of a tight crew.

Pay, rosters and jobs

• See what the job pays: Scaffolding, Rigging & Rope Access salaries
• Browse live roles: Scaffolding, Rigging & Rope Access jobs
• Related guides: Crane Operator, Boilermaker or Welder