Demolition operative

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. You could then apply to a demolition company for a trainee position.

Relevant courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
• Level 2 Diploma in Construction Operations

Entry requirements:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You could do a demolition operative intermediate apprenticeship.

Another option is to start on a groundworker or construction plant operative intermediate apprenticeship. Then you could move into demolition training when you have experience of working on site or with machinery.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to work as a site labourer, plant operator or construction tradesperson and complete on-the-job training in demolition.

DirectApplication

You can apply for jobs directly with demolition contractors if you're over 18 and have construction work experience. Some employers may ask for GCSEs or equivalent in maths, English and design and technology.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to work well with your hands
• concentration skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of maths
• excellent verbal communication skills
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• active listening skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• customer service skills

What you'll do:

Demolition operatives dismantle buildings and structures, remove hazardous waste and identify reusable materials.

In this job, you could:

• put up guard rails, safety screens and lay dust sheets
• strip out fittings, remove doors and windows and dismantle roofs
• cut metal beams and girders into pieces ready for removal
• operate a crane-mounted magnet to recover metals
• separate reusable materials from waste
• load rubble and debris into mechanical crushers
• prepare sites for explosive demolition
• operate plant machinery to demolish structures
• dispose of hazardous materials, like asbestos, safely

Location : You could work on a construction site.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

With further training, you could specialise in a particular demolition method, for example the use of explosives.

With experience you could become a site supervisor, safety officer or move into contract management.