Safety net rigger

How to become a safety net rigger

There are several routes to becoming a safety net rigger. You can gain the qualifications you need by completing a specialist course, an apprenticeship or applying directly to an employer.

You should explore these routes to becoming a safety net rigger, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site. A valid UK driving licence may also be required. 

College/training provider

You’ll need to obtain your Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training (FASET) certificate from an authorised centre. Once sufficiently experienced, you can move onto an NVQ or SVQ in Safety Net Rigging. You will also need to obtain a safety net rigger card as evidence of professional capability. This is available from trainee through to experienced status. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction site is a good way into the industry. 

You could apply for an intermediate scaffolder apprenticeship with a construction or specialist scaffolding company, which will take 18 months, before moving into a role as a safety net rigger.

You'll need 2 - 3 GCSEs, usually including maths and English, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction or specialist scaffolding company to gain onsite experience as a safety net rigger. You will need to undertake specialist qualifications to work in this role. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced safety net rigger and progress as your abilities improve and you complete training.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a safety net rigger. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a safety net rigger include: 

• Ability to work safely at height
• Able to work well as a team
• Proactive and able to show initiative.

Qualifications

What does a safety net rigger do?

As a safety net rigger, you will be responsible for the safe operation of machinery to help the preparation and dismantling of platforms to enable elevated working.

The job role of a safety net rigger involves the following duties: 

• Preparing and operating Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP), including both scissor and boom types
• Installing, dismantling, maintaining and inspecting safety nets
• Loading and unloading lorries and equipment containers
• Complying with health and safety requirements
• Working in accordance with method statements and risk assessments
• Working onsite in all weather.

How much could you earn as a safety net rigger?

The expected salary for a safety net rigger varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained safety net riggers can earn £20,000 - £25,000
• Trained safety net riggers with some experience can earn £25,000 - £35,000
• Senior safety net riggers can earn in excess of £35,000*
• Self-employed safety net riggers set their own pay rates.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest safety net rigger vacancies: 

• Indeed

• Jobsite

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As you gain experience and skills in your career as a safety net rigger, you could be promoted to supervisor or manager. 

With further training and qualifications, you could progress to a career as a SHEQ (safety, health, environment and quality) advisor.

You could become a self-employed contractor and set your own wage.