Training

TOMCAT's team at 2011 workshops

TOMCAT has been the industry leader in providing training in the truss, hoist and rigging disciplines for 18 years.

Our training programs are ETCP recognized and our workshops are highly respected among the professionals in the entertainment technology world. In our hoist workshops a CM certification test is also offered.

Besides the 4 days of training that TOMCAT offers every year during Truss, Hoist and Rigging Workshops, we also offer courses during LDInstitute on different topics such as outdoor structures, rigging, hoist, and truss usage.

Continuing the commitment to training and education in the entertainment and leisure industry, TOMCAT keeps providing top class workshops and courses to the industry professionals.

TOMCAT conducted a session at LDInstitute 2011 in the Rigging and Electrical Bootcamp:

"Strength Under Pressure"
What Makes a Truss System Safe, Indoors & Out?

The evolution of technology and the structural challenges in entertainment constantly press the boundaries of safe application. This session helped attendees understand the safe parameters of using truss overhead both indoors and out by sorting through some of the myths and providing specific guidance on how structural truss components can be safely used for solutions to common conundrums. These sessions have historically included lively discussions about real world stories and situations.

Past workshops

TOMCAT's 18th Annual Truss, Hoist & Rigging workshops were a great learning experience for more than 60 students that came from across North America to receive training on truss, chain hoists, rigging, fall protection and automation with our team of world class instructors.

The hands on training took place through classes, live practice sessions, as well as after class discussions with the instructors and TOMCAT's staff, including a guided tour of TOMCAT's factory.
The participants also enjoyed the West Texas hospitality provided by TOMCAT's staff.

Recent attendees gave us their comments about their experience:

"Thank you very much for a wonderful experience. I really learned a lot and had much fun."
"I look forward to come back next year to the hoist workshop."
"I would recommend it to anyone eager to move forward in his/her training."
"Morgan Neff taught me more in two days that I have learned in a year of working."
"Dave Carmack is a great and fun teacher, he taught us a lot in just few days."

Upcoming Hoist and Rigging Workshops 2012

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of TOMCAT Truss, Hoist & Rigging Workshops in 2012. Participants have an opportunity to receive both beginning AND advanced training in their area of specialization: Hoist or Rigging. Briefly we will post in this section details on the 2012 workshops regarding dates and registration fees so you can plan your training in advance.

Earn 32 renewal credits

Furthermore, attendees can earn 32 renewal credits at each of these ETCP recognized workshops that provide a unique, hands-on learning experience with industry experts.

Learn about the curricula & contents

We invite you to review the Hoist and Truss workshop as well as the Rigging and Truss Workshop curricula to learn more about this unique training.

Find out what your registration fee includes

Workshops include: All instruction and materials, lodging for 5 nights, meals for 4 days and local transportation from airport-hotel-airport as well as for dinner outings.

Plan you arrival to the training

Midland International Airport is served by American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Participants should plan to arrive the evening prior to the first day of their class and depart the morning after the day it concludes.

Truss and Hoist Workshop

The Truss and Hoist workshop include the following topics delivered by our well known and recognized instructors:

Instructor Dave Carmack of Columbus McKinnon leads the motor course which includes:

Proper use and maintenance of the CM Lodestar & Prostar product
Guided disassembly and reassembly of a one ton Lodestar and a half ton Prostar
Advanced troubleshooting scenarios and technique
An overview of machinery types, feedback devices, safety components and system layout

Will Todd and Keith Bohn of TOMCAT USA, Inc. lead this course which includes:

Basics of truss safety, theory, use and design
Dynamic amplification and cantilever
ANSI E1.2-2006 as it applies to user responsibilities and ground support system
Live demonstrations of load scenarios and truss inspection

Truss and Rigging workshop

The truss and rigging workshop include the following instructors and topics:

Instructors G. Anthony Phillips, of Rigrider Rigging Services and Morgan Neff will lead the rigging course which includes:

Fall protection practices and principles
Fall protection equipment overview
Discussion of fall protection and its uses in today's rigging environment
Climbing session on a small ground support system
Live demonstration of rescue and shock load, knot tying and pulling points, harness fitting, truss/ladder climbing

Will Todd and Keith Bohn of TOMCAT USA, Inc. lead this course which includes:

Basics of truss safety, theory, use and design
Dynamic amplification and cantilevers
ANSI E1.2-2006 as it applies to user responsibilities and ground support systems
Live demonstrations of load scenarios and truss inspection

Instructors bio

Certifications

TOMCAT offers ETCP recognized training programs.
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) is an industry-wide program that has brought together an unprecedented group of industry organizations, businesses and individuals to create a program of rigorous assessments for professional technicians. ETCP focuses on disciplines that directly affect the health and safety of crews, performers, and audiences.
PLASA runs ETCP.
To learn more about ETCP and TOMCAT we invite you to visit:
http://etcp.plasa.org/cert_recognized/training.htm

TOMCAT has created the following videos for your instruction. Please click on the topic you are interested in.

Harness inspection
A comprehensive visual demonstration of what to look for in harness to help ensure safe usage by TOMCAT Product Support Manager, Will Todd
Truss handling
Will Todd explains the proper methods of handling truss before, during and following transport
Figure – Of – 8 – Knot
Will Todd demonstrates how to properly tie a Figure-8 Knot.
Bowline Knot
Will Todd demonstrates how to properly tie a Bowline Knot.
Truss orientation
Will Todd explains how to determine proper installation orientation of various standard truss types.
Truss inspection
Will Todd explains how to comprehensively Inspect truss.