Demolition operative
Take down buildings and structures safely and remove hazardous materials. Remove items for salvage and recycling so they can be used again.
About the job
What it's like
In this job, you'll safely demolish and dismantle old and derelict structures and buildings. Demolition operatives responsibly remove hazardous materials, such as asbestos, so buildings are safe for people to use.
You’ll also remove items from a building or structure for salvage or recycling so they can be re-used.
It's rewarding to know that you're helping to make spaces, buildings and people safe.
Your tasks might include:
preparing the site, including putting up rails and safety screens
stripping out fittings, doors and windows
separating out re-usable building materials after demolition
cutting steel framework at heights
removing fragile roof structures
You'll use tools such as:
hammer drills
oxyacetylene cutting equipment
plant machinery
explosives
burners
The demolished material can often be used again! You might use crane-mounted industrial magnets to recover metals. You'll also put concrete slabs through crushers to make aggregate for building roads.
Demolition operatives must follow strict health and safety regulations. You'll use your training to remove hazardous materials properly. A knowledge of construction methods will help you to take down buildings safely.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Construction Industry Training Board – Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives (CCDO)
Construction Skills Certification Scheme – Learn more about CSCS cards
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
Entry varies for the three different types of work:
There are no formal qualifications required to become a labourer but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5. Use My World of Work's job search to find vacancies.
Entry as a mattockman or mattockwoman would require two years experience, knowledge of demolition and some units from Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Demolition (Construction): Demolition or Plant level 2 (SCQF level 5).
As a topman or topwoman you would be expected to have at least two years' experience, extensive knowledge of demolition and completed the SVQ level 2 (SCQF level 5).
Qualifications that show an understanding of construction and practical skills, such as Skills for Work Construction Engineering (SCQF level 3) or Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5).
A driving licence can be useful.
It is also useful to not have dust allergies.
Demolition operatives must be at least 18 years old.
You'll need to be physically fit with good eyesight and hearing.
You'll need a Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives (CCDO). This is linked to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) to work on most sites.
You may have to take an aptitude test before entry.
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