Rigger onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: NCCCO Rigger Level I and II, NCCCO Signalperson (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: slings; shackles; hoists; spreader bars
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Rigger training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Inspect rigging before use
Never exceed WLL
Keep people clear
Use tag lines
Shadow an experienced rigger through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: calculate sling tension at an angle
Supervised practice: rig a load with a choker hitch
Supervised practice: write a basic lift plan
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Plan lifts: independently
Calculate weights: independently
Select rigging: independently
Attach loads: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, NCCCO Rigger Level I and II)
Discuss the career path: Laborer → Rigger → Lead Rigger
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Calculate Sling Tension at an Angle
Rig a Load with a Choker Hitch
Write a Basic Lift Plan
Load calculation
Sling angles
Hardware selection
Signaling

How to measure onboarding success

Weeks until the new hire works without close supervision
Recordable incidents and near-misses in the first 90 days
Rework caused by new-hire errors
Apprentice retention through year one

How Rigger training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Rigger Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Rigger Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Rigger Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Rigger Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)