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Demolition operatives clear sites ready for use. They dismantle buildings and structures, remove hazardous waste and salvage reusable materials.
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; away from home
There will be
0.7% fewer Demolition operative jobs in 2029.
In your local area
As a demolition operative, you could:
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work on a construction site.
Your working environment may be physically demanding.
You can get into this job through:
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.
Courses include:
You could apply to do a Demolition Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a demolition or construction company.
Another option is to do a Groundworker Level 2, or Construction Plant Operative Level 2, Intermediate Apprenticeship. After getting experience on a construction site, you could do further training in demolition.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to work as a construction site labourer, tradeperson's assistant or plant operator and do extra demolition training on the job.
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.
You'll need to:
You can find out more about working in demolition from Go Construct.
With further training to become an advanced operative, you could specialise in a particular demolition method, for example the use of explosives or oxy-fuel cutting equipment.
With experience, you could become a site supervisor, safety officer or move into demolition management.