Demolition work incorporates a number of different stages, including site preparation, the stripping of floors, roofs and fittings, and the removal of reusable materials. Depending on a demolition worker’s level of responsibility, a number of tasks are involved during each demolition stage.
Lower-level labourers are responsible for erecting and dismantling screens, fences and dustsheets on site, while labourers with greater responsibility may have more of a hands-on role in the actual demolition process itself
Labouring work in this field usually requires no formal qualifications, although a background in construction or prior experience as a tradesperson is useful. In addition to on-the-job training, employees can work towards an NVQ or SVQ in demolition at levels 2 and 3. Average salaries for demolition operatives are around £29,000
Other jobs within the industry include estimators, project managers and contracts managers. These higher-level positions are suitable for graduates, who are usually required to have between five and 10 years of demolition-related experience. Estimators earn an average of £23,500, while management positions usually offer salaries of between £32,500 and £54,000.