Taking Learning to New Heights with Rigging Team Ltd: Year 8 Work Experience – Barnwell School
July 21, 2026
Nine Year 8 students took part in an engaging experience of work session with local small business, Rigging Team Ltd, gaining a valuable insight into the wide range of careers involved in rigging, particularly with events and live productions.
The visit began with a tour of the business, where students met employees from different departments and learned how a variety of roles work together to ensure the organisation operates successfully. From finance and administration to technical and operational roles, students discovered how every member of staff contributes to the overall success of the business.
As part of the experience, students explored the company’s warehouse facilities and were given a behind-the-scenes look at the specialist equipment used to support events. They learned about the planning, preparation and logistics involved before, during and after productions, helping them understand the scale of work that takes place beyond what audiences see.
Exploring Career Pathways
Students heard from members of the team about their career journeys and the different routes into the industry, including further education, apprenticeships and direct employment. The session highlighted that there is no single pathway to success; employers value qualities such as resilience, ambition and a willingness to learn just as highly as qualifications. This message strongly tied in with our school’s core values of Respect, Responsibility and Aspiration, helping students see how these values can support them both in education and future careers.
The session also highlighted the importance of employability skills, including teamwork, communication, literacy, numeracy and IT skills, with students hearing how the subjects they study in school relate to the workplace.
Learning Through Experience
The highlight of the visit was a practical rigging demonstration, where students had the opportunity to wear safety harnesses and experience specialist equipment used in real working environments. The activity gave students a memorable insight into the technical aspects of the industry.
Throughout the demonstrations, the employer explained how mathematical and scientific principles are applied in their day-to-day work, helping students make clear links between classroom learning and real-world careers.
Student Reflection
One student commented:
“It’s so inspiring to see how people went out of their way to put this morning on for us. It gave real insight into what it is like where they work.”
By combining workplace tours, career insights and hands-on activities, the experience provided students with a meaningful introduction to the world of work. It helped broaden their understanding of the events and entertainment industry while demonstrating the skills, attitudes and values required to succeed in a modern workplace.
