Demolition Operative
Careers Explorer:
Dismantle old and derelict structures and buildings.
Overview
It’s your job to carry out the process of demolishing or part-demolishing buildings and other structures.
From standard brick and concrete buildings to bridges and power stations, you could work across a range of built-environments.
It’s a safety-critical role and you’ll need to stay alert and keep your wits about you and be aware of the potential hazards, which could include falling debris and burning steel.
Due to the dangerous nature of the role, you’ll be supervised at all times, but you’ll have to constantly risk-assess your surroundings to ensure your own safety and that of your team.
You’ll use a range of power tools and plant machinery to complete the job in hand and you’re likely to be working both inside and outside and even at height.
Top 5 Tasks
- Use a range of hand and power tools, cutting equipment and plant machinery
- Strip out fixtures and fittings and dismantle roof structures on derelict buildings and structures
- Prepare structures for explosive demolition
- Safely remove hazardous materials from a site
- Follow strict health and safety regulations at all times.
Salary
Newly trained demolition operatives can earn around £17,000 – £20,000.
Trained with experience demolition operatives can earn around £20,000 – £30,000.
Senior demolition operatives can earn around £30,000 – £45,000.
Salaries typically depend on location, employer and level of responsibility.
Am I Suited?
- Physically fit
- Team player
- Likes the outdoors
- Head for heights
- Loves machines
Demolition is a very ‘green’ process with the majority of the material debris able to be reused or recycled.
Qualifications
There are no formal entry requirements, but it’s beneficial to have GCSEs in maths and English or the equivalent vocational qualifications.
You must also hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work on a site, and you’ll need to be 18 or over to work on-site in demolition.
