A demolition operative knocks down or dismantles buildings and other structures safely and clears debris from the site.

The Work

You could be:

• preparing and clearing the demolition site
• dismantling roof structures and cladding
• cutting steel framework
• stripping out fittings, doors and windows
• using tools such as hammer drills or operating plant machinery
• sorting the bricks, slates, stone and other materials according to their grade or use
• preparing structures for explosive demolition
• possibly specialising in, for example, removing asbestos.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Pay rates vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of your company
• the demand for the job.

There is a minimum wage for apprentices in Scotland. As of June 2018 the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council (SBATC) rates for a 2-year apprenticeship based on a 39-hour week are:

Year 1 – £177.45
Year 2 – £230.10.

Please note these rates may vary if the Apprentice is 21 years old or over and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship. National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) will apply.

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2019 the National Minimum Wage is £6.15 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20 and £7.70 an hour for workers aged 21 to 24. The National Living Wage is £8.21 for workers aged 25 and over. With experience this can rise to over £12.00 an hour. If you have to live away from home you may get a lodging allowance.

Conditions

• You work outdoors in all weathers.
• The environment can be dirty and noisy.
• You work at heights and face hazardous situations.
• Jobs are often on a contract basis, for a few weeks or months at a time.
• You travel to different sites and live away from home.
• The working day starts early and depends on the hours of daylight.
• You often work overtime, including evenings and weekends.
• There is heavy lifting.
• You wear safety gear: hard hat, protection goggles, boots, gloves, respirators and ear defenders.

Getting In

• There are no formal entry requirements, although some employers ask for subjects at National 4 or 5 including English, Maths and a science or technological subject.
• If aged under 18, you are likely to start by working on a building site as a labourer or general construction operative. (See the General Construction Operative job profile).
• You must be over 18 to work on-site as a demolition operative.
• Many people enter through a Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Specialist.
• You may have to sit an aptitude test as part of the application process.
• You will need a Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives (CCDO) which is linked to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) to work on most sites.
• A driving licence can be useful and is sometimes necessary.
• You should not be allergic to dust.

There are opportunities with large building contractors, specialist demolition firms and local authorities.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2019

5411

0.1 %

RISE

2024

5416

  United Kingdom

2019

80189

2 %

RISE

2024

81794

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need:

• to be able to follow strict health and safety rules
• a head for heights, good co-ordination and balance
• the ability to follow instructions
• an understanding of construction methods
• team working skills
• good practical skills
• to be reliable.

Training

• Training during an apprenticeship is mainly on the job with off the job training at college. You would work towards Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) Demolition (Construction): Demolition or Plant at SCQF Level 5.
• You would normally complete health and safety training covering: preventing accidents, manual handling, noise control and fire prevention and control.
• You have to pass a health and safety test in demolition or demolition and plant.

Getting On

• Completion of the SVQ and at least two years' experience would allow you to progress to demolition topman. In addition to your existing duties, you would be responsible for preparing the site, stripping out windows, fixtures and fittings, cutting steel frameworks at heights, and showing others safe demolition practices.
• Following this, with further experience and training, you can progress to demolition chargehand, which is a management level position.
• You could study part time for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Construction Management.
• You could then progress to site supervision or management with further study.
• You could do a short course to specialise in asbestos removal or explosives.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.