Gravity Media’s UK Rigging Apprenticeship Highlighted By First Female Staff Rigger

Gravity Media has introduced a new rigging apprenticeship programme in the UK at the start of 2026 to nurture the next generation of riggers who underpin its global productions.

Carly Pickford, who is six months into her apprenticeship with the rigging department, said: "I couldn’t recommend it enough. I can genuinely say I think I have the best job in the world and work with some amazing people."

Ahead of camera guarantees, vision engineers, unit managers and audio supervisors arriving on site – and before cameras, microphones and EVS are set – the rigging team is first to turn up. Each year they lay tens of thousands of kilometres of cable worldwide, from royal palaces and stadiums to golf courses and festival grounds, transforming empty spaces into connected, live-ready environments.

Discussing how she joined the scheme, Pickford said: "I heard about the rigging apprentice programme through a freelancer I know. Coming from a live events background, I knew I wanted to stay in that industry. I was most interested in having a job that would be different every time. Different locations, different events, just lots of different. I hate too much routine and repetitive work so I found that element of it really exciting. Also being a physical job as I’m not one to be sat behind a desk. I love being active at work, and who doesn’t want to learn to drive a massive truck?!"

She added: "I thought it would be a challenge and I didn’t think I’d find myself in a position where I’d have the opportunity to gain a HGV licence in many other places of work."

Outlining her training path, Pickford said: "I started out in the warehouse learning the basics of how to load a truck, identifying types of cable and cable lengths, handling cable; coiling, eighting and drumming. After a few weeks in the warehouse and a few assessments I was signed off to start working out on the road. This developed my knowledge of planning cable routes, identifying problems and getting to grips with all the truck driver’s terminology!"

On day-to-day work, she said: "It’s hard to describe what a typical day looks like because every day is different, from travel days in the trucks with other members of the rigging team, to putting in the cable rig and assisting when problems come up – since being on site I’ve really developed my problem solving skills. Then derigging at the end of all of it. I’m getting used to rigging in new venues and cable routes and really enjoying the travel; going to different places and working with great people."

Reflecting on the demands and highlights, Pickford said: "It was always going to be challenging adjusting to working away and having less time at home but I couldn’t recommend it enough. I can genuinely say I think I have the best job in the world and work with some amazing people. I love the jobs that involve a lot of heavy work. My standout moment so far has to be going out in the truck for the first time as a passenger and working on site for Trooping the Colour."

Looking to inspire others, she said: "I’m very proud to be the first staff female rigger at Gravity Media UK and I’m hoping it encourages more women to want to do this job. I love my job to bits and I hope more people discover this industry and how enjoyable it can be."

Those interested in applying for Gravity Media’s rigging apprenticeship can find details on the company’s careers page.

www.gravitymedia.com/careers/