I.R.A.T.A (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association)

I'm considering a change in career direction and for sometime have been thinking about moving from office work, into outdoor work.

Being into climbing and other sports of similar specs, i have been looking of late at rope access.

I just wondered if anyone here was in the field of rope access? Anyone a member of IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association)?

IF so, what are your thoughts about the industry? Do you enjoy it? What's the best route to getting qualified/employed?

Any comments appreciated.

GYKD.

Not sure what you mean by outdoor work but live event rigging is very popular with climbing guys. It's interesting and lucrative too with varied locations and tours. IRATA isn't a required qualification for it, you might be surprised to know that competence can be self certified as long as you reasonably believe you can do it. Think about that next time you're standing inder a 50 tonne lighting rig at a show! IRATA and rigging training courses are a way of backing you up.

It's a fairly tight industry to get into but willingness and friendliness go a long way (as always!). You can usually start as a ground rigger. Pay is usually ?180-?220 for a 6 hour call (2 calls per show usually, in and out).

Do a bit of N.A.R.C from time to time.

PM Anna, she works with rigging n stuff iirc

Cheers for the tips folks. 'ppreciated!

I was considering something along the lines of non-destructive testing, or painting/cleaning etc - the guys that paint things like Blackpool tower, London Eye, Forth Bridge etc...

But yeah, rigging is something to consider.... thanks once again.

I know someone who does this measuring cracks in bridges. The money is good but he said it took him £900 to get sufficient qualifications (as an experienced climber). Tempting none the less.

*shudder* not my kind of thing at all!!

Hehe, imagine gettin paid though to have views like this:

Slightly off topic (sorry) but why has the bloke in the top piccy got a dayglo waistcoat. Who the "f" is going to bump into him by accident.......

Back on topic, I'd love to get out of my current line of work aswell and quite like the look of something like that.

OK for when you're younger but do you really want to spend the rest of your life dangling from a rope in all weathers.

Nossir, not me