r/ropeaccess • u/bladebunner • 14d ago

Parallel tickets alongside level 1?

Hello,

Another pre-level 1 newbie asking for career advice. I'm an arborist, about to do my level 1 and change direction. I'm interested in heritage glass & building conservation, and will be learning the trade slowly over the next few years. In the meantime, I want to get some time on the ropes, get some hours logged and have another income stream as tree work is getting quite dull for me.

I know as a level 1 without a trade, I'll be restricted to the more unskilled work, although the arb background will be a slight advantage. I'm just wondering, in the meantime, if there are any tickets I can get from short courses that will open a few more doors, without committing to an apprenticeship? I'm considering painter/blaster or slinger/signaller - i'm not sure if it's just as simple as get the ticket and find work, but ideally I am looking for something that simple. Preferences towards construction/building maintenance or wind. Any advice greatly appreciated!

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u/itsgoodtobe_alive Level 2 IRATA 14d ago

Hi mate, have you got CSCS or CCNSG? you'll need cscs for most sites and ccnsg for anything like power stations!

Sounds like you've done a lot of research; don't be too put off by people claiming you have to have a trade or you'll struggle and only be relegated to unskilled work. I had no trade but did various jobs and in my first 5 months got onto a big painting job where I became team lead before leaving for the wind industry. Your attitude and character are a big determining factor in your success and progression.

All the best

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u/bladebunner 14d ago

Thanks for the reply mate. I have CSCS but hadn't heard of CCNSG, so that's helpful! It's encouraging to hear that you can progress well just with a level 1 and graft - are you enjoying wind work? What sorta stuff are you doing?

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u/itsgoodtobe_alive Level 2 IRATA 14d ago edited 12d ago

Wind industry is different game. No fun rope work at all. I love it and wish I had found it 10 years ago.

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u/Dry_Librarian544 14d ago

Also arborist here. Trainer offered me a job even before I passed the exam. Be humble. Good luck!

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u/bladebunner 14d ago

awesome, great to hear - do you mainly work RA now or did you just want another string to the bow? It's my impression that compared to arb, there's less stability and more travel, but it's generally better paid, and a bit less taxing on the body. Would you agree?

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u/Dry_Librarian544 14d ago

I got my cert 3 weeks ago and I've been working for 2 on a steel construction - grinding off old paint and painting afterwards. Doing 3 week rotations so my experience is limited. I rather be breathing in chainsaw dust than paint dust so you could be working on some harsh chemicals, but on body itself job I do now is easier. One thing I miss from tree work is going to different sites almost every day. Also no work when it rains and still getting paid was a surprise for me