Progress your career in demolition

A career in demolition offers diverse opportunities, ranging from hands-on site work to management roles and specialisations in sustainability and engineering. If you are looking to, or are already working in, the demolition industry and interested in discovering the best ways to start or progress your career, read on to find out more about the opportunities available, and discover our top tips to progressing your career…

What opportunities are available in demolition?

Entry-level

Requires little or no previous experience (Health and Safety and Asbestos Awareness courses, plus CSCS card required):

• Labourer

• Apprentice

Intermediate roles

Require specific training, certifications, or experience and often involve operating equipment or undertaking tasks:

• Machine Operator (NOCN/CPCS)

• Skilled Labourer

• Asbestos Removal Operative

Supervisory roles

Involve overseeing teams, ensuring safety, and managing specific tasks:

• Site Supervisor

• Waste Management Coordinator

• Topman

Specialist roles

Require advanced skills or expertise in specific areas:

• Demolition Engineer

• Environmental Consultant (IEMA)

• Explosive Demolition Expert

Managerial roles

Focusing on planning, coordination, and overseeing large-scale demolition projects having served significant time gathering relevant experience:

• Project Manager

• Operations Manager

• Health and Safety Manager

• Quantity Surveyor

Executive roles

Focusing on strategy, business growth, and overall company leadership, following further time within the industry:

• Director of Demolition

• Business Development

• Operations Director

• Finance Director

• Managing Director

Competence Card Scheme

If you’re working in the demolition industry and looking to progress, you probably already know about CCDO - the Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives. The scheme, which is managed by the National Demolition Training Group (NDTG), offers a combination of on-the-job training, classroom learning, and NVQs to ensure that every demolition worker has the right skills for the job they’ll be doing.

There are nine CCDO levels as follows:

• CCDO Demolition Labourer

• CCDO Demolition Apprentice

• CCDO Demolition and Refurbishment Operative

• CCDO Advanced Demolition Operative (Topman)

• CCDO Demolition Chargehand 

• CCDO Demolition Supervisor 

• CCDO Industry Placement Card

• CCDO Demolition Manager

• CCDO Demolition Contracts Manager

Find out more about each of the cards, what will be required of you to obtain one, and what each qualifies the holder to undertake. 

How to progress in the demolition industry…

Gain certifications

If you’re starting out at entry-level, be sure to gain any certifications offered. Not only will these expand your knowledge and skills, but they’ll also look great on your CV and ‘tick a box’ when it comes to career progression. Check out the section above for more information on the Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operative scheme.

Develop your skills

If you’re currently in an entry or intermediate-level role with a desire to progress, developing your skills is the way forward. Getting new skills under your belt will stand you in good stead when progression opportunities arise. Talk to your line manager about training and continuing professional development opportunities, so that you can fully explore the options available to you.

You should have an idea of what area you’d like to develop skills in - this could be machine competency expertise, a specialist area such as environmental or explosives, supervisory or even management. If you’re unsure of which direction to take, try listing your skills and strengths to see which avenue may suit you best.

Expand your knowledge

If you’re looking to get into a specialist area, or a supervisory/management role, the more knowledge you have in these areas, the better. As well as looking into training and development opportunities, you could also start doing a few things to expand your knowledge on your area of interest. Research and read articles online, keep up-to-date with industry publications, get yourself on some demolition mailing lists, and follow relevant companies/industry figures on social media. 

Take the HE route

If you’d like to study demolition at university-level, there are a couple of options to choose from. You could opt to do a Foundation Degree in Demolition Management, which is offered by the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, or a Master’s Degree in Demolition Management, which is offered by the the University of Wolverhampton and accredited by the IDE.

The Foundation Degree is a two-year programme consisting of 12 modules, each requiring a combination of teaching, research, and coursework. The course is open to IDE members and non-members who have worked, are working, or plan to work within the demolition sector in the future

The Master’s Degree aims to develop professionals with a thorough understanding of the demolition process, to meet the growing needs of the built environment sector. The course consists of up to 15 different modules, covering topics such as asbestos removal, façade retention, working with explosives, and health and safety. Designed in conjunction with industry specialists, the programme is delivered by a combination of academics and demolition sector experts.

Consider leadership roles

Whatever your ideal progression route, it's worth considering if a leadership role is something you’d like to work towards. Not everyone is cut out for leadership - which is a good thing as we need people in all different types of roles to ensure a successful operation - so take some time to really look into what is involved before setting off on that path. Leadership roles are generally quite hands-off, and are likely to involve a lot of planning and coordination, as well as people management.

Network

Building contacts in the industry is a good way to increase your opportunities, as well as learn along the way. Why not join an online forum? Attending training courses, conferences and exhibitions are also great ways to meet like-minded professionals in the sector.

Find out more about Hughes and Salvidge and what we do, and read our blog to gain some valuable insights, including starting a career in demolition…