Demolition Operative

Demolition Operative

On a demolition operative apprenticeship course, you’ll help oversee the process of demolishing or part-demolishing structures.

A demolition operator is in charge of completely or partly dismantling buildings ranging from simple brick and concrete structures to bridges, industrial complexes, and power plants.

It is a critical task that requires hand and power equipment to carry out demolition operations in line with stringent operational requirements to ensure that the demolition process is kept under continuous and safe supervision.

Because the work is inherently dangerous, all agents are continuously watched. Falling debris, burning steel, cables, and hot works are common hazards. Therefore as an operator, you must constantly risk-assess your surroundings to ensure the team’s safety.

Working at heights, offshore, in confined spaces, or tandem with other construction operations may be required. Hand and power tools will be utilised to remove interior structural components such as doors, radiators, and ceilings; a range of heating and cutting equipment will be used to burn through different metals, and lifting operations will be carried out.

What you’ll learn

On a demolition operative apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

  • Perform risk evaluations at the site of work
  • Recognise and report possible hazards, hazardous circumstances, and uncontrolled demolition operations.
  • Follow and implement safe work practices, get licences, and seek permission, including identifying dangerous objects.
  • Determine when an area might become confined and adopt the necessary specified space precautions.
  • Wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during demolition operations, and inspect and store it when not used.
  • Work safely on-site in various situations, including heights, proximity to other operations, contaminated ground, plant, and lifting equipment.
  • Determine the different materials and structural elements.
  • Calculate and quantify the materials that will be removed from the site.
  • Choose the safest and most appropriate technique for completing the demolition project.
  • Recognise when a task isn’t going as anticipated, and when it’s time to take a break, seek advice.
  • Choose the right tool, conduct pre-use testing, and identify any issues using hand and power tools and remote-controlled demolition equipment.
  • Report faults and dispose of faulty tools and equipment in line with the appropriate procedure.
  • Demonstrate how to safely use hand and power tools and remote-controlled equipment to complete the demolition task.
  • Choose and choose the proper kind of cutting tools for the task at hand.
  • Set up equipment and perform daily pre-use checks to detect issues, report flaws, and condemn unsuitable and faulty equipment.
  • Read and follow a lift plan, and demonstrate how to do the task. 
  • Select the proper lifting accessories for the weight to be raised.
  • Lifting attachments of many types are used to sling and raise loads.
  • Direct the operations of the demolition plant, and use a range of communication methods.
  • Successfully interact with all internal and external workers, and use appropriate terminology.
  • Make use of various communication methods, such as radios and hand signals.
  • Show a strong ability to work well with others as part of a team.
  • As required, help other members of the team.
  • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of your responsibilities and limits.
  • Carry out all responsibilities correctly and utilise safe working techniques.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship.
  • Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment comprises two distinct assessment methods: 

  •  Practical Test 
  • Professional Discussion 

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

  • Duration: 24 months
  • Level: 2 – Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Relevant school subjects: Engineering
  • Potential salary upon completion: £22,000 per annum

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 2 Demolition Operative Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.

Updated on January 24, 2024

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