This March Joe Betts of Ard Soilse became the first rigger in Ireland to achieve the PLASA NC levels 2 (Rigger) and 3 (Rigging Supervisor).
Joe has been registered on the NRC scheme since 2007, when he registered at Plasa on the day the scheme was launched, having followed its progress for the past year.
In October 2009 he sat the Level 2 exam at total solutions group, and in March 2010 he went on to complete his level 3 examination,  with his on site assessment being carried out at the City West Hotel in Dublin during the get in for the All Ireland and International Dancing competition.

This is another step by Ard Soilse towards improving standards.

Ard Soilse is currently running a rigging training course, “Rigging for Entertainment” the 4 day course is held at their Production Rehearsal Studios in Shannon, Co.Clare.
The Course is designed to provide candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to persue a career in rigging, and ultimately prepare them for an NRC assessment.

The course draws from numerous international sources for examples of best practice, including:-

• VPLT SR 1.0 Provision and use of truss systems

• VPLT SR 2.0 Codes of practice for event technology

• BS 7906 Use of lifting equipment for performance, broadcast and similar applications

• LEEA Code of practice for safe use of lifting equipment

• PLASA National Rigging Certificate handbook

Legislative requirements from Ireland and the UK are also considered,namely:-

• Safety, Health and Welfare at work (General Application) Regulations 2007

• LOLER Lifting and operating of Lifting equipment Regulations

• PUWER Provision and use of work equipment regulations

Anyone interested in enrolling should contact info@ardsoilse.com or use the online registration form http://www.ardsoilse.com/training011.htm