Basic Rigging Course Brisbane: Your First Step to a Rigging Career

If you’re working on construction sites in Brisbane and looking for a way to increase your income and move into more stable work, a basic rigging course could be the right next step. Rigging is one of those trades where the right ticket can create opportunities quickly, and it is often more accessible than people expect.

This guide explains what a basic rigging course involves, what qualification you receive, how the licensing process works, what it may cost, and where it can take your career.

 

What Is a Basic Rigging Course?

A basic rigging course teaches you how to safely lift, move and secure loads on construction and industrial sites. You learn to work with slings, ropes, chains, shackles and other rigging equipment, while also developing the skills to direct crane operations and use standard signalling.

In Queensland, rigging is classified as high risk work. That means you need a formal licence to carry out this work professionally. A basic rigging course is the first step in that pathway, once you have completed the pre-requisite course of Dogging operations.

 

What qualification does a basic rigging course lead to?

Completing a basic rigging course results in a Statement of Attainment for the relevant unit of competency.

Competency in the unit allows you to be eligible to sit your Licencing Assessment for the RB (Rigging Basic) High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) Class, which is completed on the last day of your course. On successful completion of your Licencing assessment you will apply for your HRWL through Workplace Health and Safety QLD (WHSQ) This is the licence that allows you to legally perform basic rigging work in Queensland and, through reciprocal recognition arrangements, across Australia. Once this is obtained it allows you to perform basic rigging work such as steel erection, moving plant and equipment, hoist and lifting operations, and precast concrete placement.

For a broader overview of high risk work licences and how they apply across different trades, it’s worth understanding the full licensing framework before you start.

 

How the licensing process works

After completing your training and receiving your Statement of Attainment, you will complete a formal licencing assessment with a WorkSafe-approved assessor. This assessment includes written and practical components and is designed to confirm that you can apply your skills in a real work context. On successful completion of your assessment you will apply for your High Risk Work Licence through Workplace Health and Safety QLD (WHSQ).

Processing times can vary, so it is sensible to allow several weeks from the date you submit a complete application. There is also a government licence fee, which is separate from the course fee and charged by WHSQ (see their website for up to date pricing).

Once issued, the licence is valid for five years and can be renewed.

 

What does basic rigging training cover?

Basic rigging training follows the nationally recognised unit of competency for the RB Class High Risk Work Licence.

During the course, you can expect to cover:

• • interpreting and applying rigging plans and load charts
  • selecting suitable rigging equipment for different load types
  • calculating load weights and centre of gravity
  • inspecting, using and storing rigging hardware correctly
  • communicating with crane operators using standard signals
  • safely directing lifts and managing exclusion zones
  • following workplace health and safety requirements

Training usually combines theory with practical learning. You will use real equipment in a training yard, work through realistic lifting scenarios, and build confidence through hands-on application.

 

What are the entry requirements?

You do not need previous rigging experience to enrol in a basic rigging course. If you already have experience on site as a labourer or tradesperson, that background can help you understand the training more quickly, but it is not essential.

There are a few standard requirements to keep in mind:

• • you must hold a current and valid DG Class High Risk Work Licence
  • you need basic literacy and numeracy skills, as the course includes reading load charts and completing calculations
  • you need to be physically capable of carrying out practical rigging tasks

Important to note: To work on a construction site, you must hold a current White Card (General Construction Induction)

If you’re unsure whether your background suits the course, the team at Ascent Training Solutions can walk you through what to expect and confirm your eligibility before you book.

 

How Much Does a Basic Rigging Course Cost?

The cost of a basic rigging course can vary depending on the training provider and your individual circumstances. Visit our pricelist for current pricing.

For eligible participants, Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) funding may also help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of training.

 

What do riggers earn?

Rigging is generally paid above the average trade rate. Entry-level riggers in Queensland often earn between $80,000 and $100,000 per year, while experienced riggers and those working on major infrastructure or resource projects can earn considerably more, especially in FIFO roles.

That higher pay reflects the level of responsibility involved. Riggers play a critical role in lift safety, and the work carries a level of accountability that is recognised in the pay rates.

 

Your career progression as a rigger

The basic rigging licence is the entry point to a structured career ladder.

Here’s how the progression typically looks:

• • Dogman (DG): load calculation, movement and on ground communications
  • Basic Rigging (RB): entry-level site rigging, standard lifts and routine load handling
  • Intermediate Rigging (RI): more complex loads, gin wheels, safety nets and static lines
  • Advanced Rigging (RA): suspended scaffolds, complex structures and higher-risk lifts
  • Crane operations or rigging supervisor roles: available with experience and additional tickets

Riggers hold both a dogging licence and a basic rigging licence from the outset, which broadens their employability immediately. From there, each additional ticket increases your earning potential and the types of projects you can work on. Riggers looking to keep progressing often move on to intermediate rigging training once they’ve built solid on-site experience at the basic level.

 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

A basic rigging course is one of the most direct ways to move from general site work into a licensed, higher-paying trade in Queensland’s construction industry. The training is practical, the licence pathway is straightforward, and the long-term career value is strong.

If you’re ready to find out more or check available course dates,  get in touch with our team directly.