Apprentice Rigger Trainee

About the role

Join MEI Industrial Solutions as a Rigger Apprenticeship Trainee and get paid while you learn essential rigging and machinery moving skills. This program is designed for individuals without prior experience in the industry, offering hands‑on training, assessments, and a clear development path toward a skilled rigger career.

About the company

Founded in the early 1990s, MEI Industrial Solutions is one of the largest providers of rigging, machinery moving, millwrighting, mechanical installation, industrial storage, crating, and export packing services in the United States. The company serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, data centers, food processing, healthcare, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and institutional sectors. MEI’s core values are integrity, respect, professionalism, safety, commitment, and results.

Program overview

The Rigging Apprenticeship Program, developed by industry experts, teaches core rigging skills through hands‑on training, lab and field activities, and assessments. Upon completion, participants will possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for various machinery moving and rigging positions.

Physical requirements & working conditions

• Perform general physical activities that require extensive use of arms, legs, and whole‑body movement (climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping).
• Handle materials up to 50 pounds.
• Work outdoors year‑round.

Other requirements

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
• Take pride in work and represent the company positively.
• Communicate openly and strive for peak performance.
• Deliver the quality service expected by MEI’s customers.
• Complete pre‑employment contingencies: 5‑panel drug test and criminal background check.

Benefits

• Dynamic and friendly work environment.
• Challenging and rewarding career opportunities.
• Highly competitive salary.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Employee assistance program.
• Referral program.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Commitment to learning and completing all program assignments, tasks, and assessments, including pre‑work and homework.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); all training materials are provided in English.
• Availability to attend six bi‑monthly, 3‑day in‑person seminars beginning July 2026 (travel may be required).

Skills taught during the program

• MEI safety culture
• Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) & Permit to Perform (PTP)
• Fall protection
• Forklift hand signals
• Forklift operation (Versa Lift operations)
• Forklift attachments
• Equipment securement – MEI owned
• Crane awareness & hand signals
• Pre‑rig/lift inspection
• Knots & taglines
• Non‑powered tool basics
• Power tools basics
• Ground & floor protection
• Basic skate, dolly & pallet jack application
• Basic jacking application
• Basic blocking & cribbing
• Basic machine securement
• Basic machine leveling
• Equipment securement – customer owned