Demolition operative

The role

• Working closely with demolition topmen, who prepare sites for demolition.
• Stripping out fittings, removing doors and windows, dismantling roof structures, cutting steel framework, stripping off fragile roofs and instructing others on safe demolition practices.
• Using hammer drills, oxyacetylene cutting equipment and plant machinery. 
• Preparing a structure for explosive demolition.  
• Following strict health and safety regulations at all times
• safely removing hazardous materials like asbestos and toxic chemicals
• Planning, overseeing and reviewing the demolition of buildings and structures
• Managing the project team throughout the process
• Advising on the work being done
• Making sure health, safety and environment requirements are being met
• Looking after the administration of contracts
• Looking after the financial control 
• Managing sub-contractor governance
• Looking after the daily on-site management of other construction workers
• This role involves working outdoors and in all conditions.
• It’s often dirty and dusty and is occasionally at height and may work longer hours over the summer months

Qualifications and training

There are no set qualifications that you need to have studied at school, though it is helpful to have Standard Grades/National 4 or 5s or GCSEs in maths, English or technology or equivlent such as BTEC, Welsh Baccalaureate, WJEC in Construction.

You will need to be aged 18 or over to work on-site in demolition. It is helpful to get on-site experience first, perhaps as a labourer. Your employer may then be willing to train you in demolition.

A construction apprenticeship with a demolition firm is a common way to enter the field. To search for apprenticeship vacancies in your area, visit the government's vacancy matching site, or in Wales, Careers Wales.