PCM has completed its first five-day intensive Rigging School 2001, which proved as popular as ever with 51 attendees. The course attracted a diverse range of applicants - from newcomers to those employed in all sectors of the professional rigging, show presentation, performance and entertainment industry. As with all PCM’s training initiatives, the Rigging School is run on a no-profit basis. The concept of the Rigging School was the brainchild of PCM’s John Jones, a committed and vocal advocate of the furtherance of professional training in the entertainment and production industries. The Rigging School is co-ordinated by PCM in conjunction with several like-minded associate companies - Vertigo Rigging, James Thomas Engineering, MAN Flying Systems, Columbus McKinnon, Rope and Lifting Technology, Rope Assemblies and the Liverpool Community College (LCC).Vertigo Rigging’s Paul Nichols and Dave Brierley ran the rigging section of the course, while aluminium trussing specialist James Thomas Engineering conducted a section on trussing and ground support systems. Representatives of MAN Flying Systems taught the basics of PA rigging, Rope Assemblies provided a selection of equipment for inspection, while health and safety expert Euan Turner of S4C gave a presentation on the LOLER regulations in relation to the entertainment rigging industry. Also Integral to the course was a special Lodestar Motor School, tutored by Tony Dickson of PCM.
PCM’s next rigging school is scheduled for February 2002.
