Demolition operative

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

• the ability to work well with your hands
• concentration skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• 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
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

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

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.