Demolition operatives, also known as demolition workers, demolish and (more commonly) dismantle buildings and structures varying from single storey blocks, tall chimneys and bridges to large industrial units like decommissioned power stations. Demolition can de done in one of three ways:

• by hand
• using heavy plant machinery
• with explosives.

Often, operatives use a combination of all three.

Demolition operatives' work involves site preparation, stripping out floors, roofs, fittings and removing re-usable materials such as timber and bricks. Some metalwork can be recovered using industrial crane-mounted magnets, and they can put concrete slabs through a crusher to produce aggregate for roadworks. Operatives also receive training in the safe removal of hazardous material such as asbestos and lead

As an operative, there are various levels of responsibility:

• Demolition Operative 1 (labourers) erects and dismantles screens, safety rails, dustsheets and fences around sites. They also prepare materials for re-use.
• Demolition Operative 2 (Mattockman/woman) strips out fittings, removes doors and windows, prepares and erects roof protection, demolishes roof structures and carries out demolition by hand.
• Demolition Operative 3 (Topman/woman) does all the tasks above and cuts steel at heights, strips fragile roof coverings and instructs others in safe demolition practices.

Operatives use a variety of hand and power to carry out jobs including pneumatic hammer drills and oxyacetylene cutting equipment. Operatives also use plant machinery such as 360-degree excavators with demolition attachments.

Health and safety plays a major role in operatives' work, so they must adhere to strict regulations.

Hours and Environment

Skills and Interests

To work as a demolition operative you should:

• have a responsible attitude towards safe working practices
• be physically fit and comfortable working at heights
• have good manual skills for operating tools and equipment
• be able to work as part of a team.

Entry

There are no formal qualifications required for this work. Some GCSEs (A-D)/S grades (1-4) can be useful, including maths, English, science subjects and design and technology or equivalent vocational qualifications such as Edexcel Introductory Certificate/Diploma in Construction. 

You need to be at least 18 years old. If you are under 18 and looking to get into demolition work, you could train initially as an apprentice in construction. See Training section for contacts and the profile for Construction Operative.

A background in more general construction, as a labourer or tradesperson, may be helpful in gaining an initial position with a company, although this is not essential.

ConstructionSkills has information on construction careers and qualifications. See their website in Further Information.

Training

• preparation and clearance of work areas
• demolition/dismantling of concrete, timber, steel and brick structures
• demolition/dismantling of fragile roofs and cladding
• safe movement and signalling of loads.

• Demolition Site Operative (Green Card)- temporary or inexperienced worker
• Demolition Operative 1 labourer (Red Card) – minimum one year’s experience
• Experienced worker (Blue Card) – minimum two years' experience but no previous card
• Demolition Operative 2 Mattockman/woman (Blue Card) - two years' or more and hold NVQ/SVQ Level 2
• Demolition Operative 3 Topman/woman (Gold Card) - three years' or more and hold NVQ/SVQ Level 3
• Demolition Chargehand (Gold Card) - must hold a Topman/woman card and undergo two-day Chargehand training
• Demolition Supervisor (Gold Card) - again you must hold a Topman/woman card and complete a 12-week distance learning programme.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Specialist firms of demolition contractors are the main employers, with a few demolition operatives working for general building and civil engineering companies. Experienced demolition operatives can progress to supervisory and site management positions.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Trainee operatives earn up to £12,500 a year.
With qualifications, operatives can earn between £13,000 and £18,000 a year.
Experienced demolition operatives with additional responsibilities may earn up to £20,000 a year.

Demolition operatives may earn significantly more for specialist duties such as operating plant machinery or using explosives. Overtime and various allowances can also increase income.

Further information

Resurgam House
1A New Road
The Causeway
Staines
Middlesex
TW18 3DH
Tel: 01784 456799 Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577