General Demolition Worker Jobs in Basingstoke

Premium Opening: General Demolition Worker Jobs in Basingstoke

Job Description: General Demolition Worker Jobs in Basingstoke

Main Responsibilities

1. Safely demolish and dismantle structures, buildings, and other construction projects.
2. Operate various demolition tools and equipment, such as jackhammers, sledgehammers, and cutting torches.
3. Remove debris and waste materials from demolition sites and load them onto trucks for disposal.
4. Assist in the preparation of demolition sites, including the erection of scaffolding and safety barriers.
5. Follow all health and safety regulations and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.

Required Skills & Qualifications

1. Physically fit and able to perform strenuous manual labour.
2. Ability to work well in a team and follow instructions from supervisors.
3. Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with others.
4. Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
5. Ability to use various demolition tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
6. CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card is often required.

Experience

1. Previous experience in construction, demolition, or a related field is preferred but not always necessary.
2. On-the-job training is often provided for entry-level positions.
3. Experienced demolition workers may have the opportunity to advance to supervisory roles or specialize in specific areas of demolition.

Pay Rates for General Demolition Worker Jobs in Basingstoke

1. Entry-level positions typically range from £11.50 to £12 per hour.
2. Experienced demolition workers can earn between £12 and £18 per hour, depending on their level of expertise and the complexity of the projects they work on.
3. Overtime and weekend work may be required, which can increase overall earnings.
4. Some demolition companies may offer additional benefits, such as pension schemes, health insurance, and travel allowances.

What is a General Demolition Worker?

A general demolition worker is responsible for safely dismantling and removing buildings, structures, and other facilities that are no longer needed or are being replaced. The work involves using a variety of manual and power tools to break down walls, floors, ceilings, and other building components. Demolition workers often operate heavy machinery like excavators, bulldozers, and wrecking balls to bring down larger structures.

While some demolition is done by implosion using explosives, most demolition work, especially on smaller buildings, is done manually by laborers and skilled tradespeople. The goal is to carefully deconstruct the building, salvaging and recycling materials when possible, and clearing the debris to prepare the site for a new structure or other use.

Demolition Worker Roles and Responsibilities

The specific duties of a general demolition worker can vary depending on the project but typically include:

• Preparing the demolition site by erecting scaffolding and other temporary structures, setting up safety barriers, and shutting off utilities.
• Dismantling building interiors, including removing doors, windows, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and other salvageable elements.
• Operating jackhammers, saws, blowtorches, and other power tools to break through walls, floors, and ceilings.
• Loading debris into trucks or dumpsters for removal using skid steers, loaders, and other equipment.
• Sorting materials on-site for recycling and disposal.
• Operating and maintaining heavy machinery like excavators and bulldozers to demolish building shells and foundations.
• Cleaning up the job site, including sweeping, shoveling, and hauling away rubble and debris.

Demolition workers generally work as part of a crew under the supervision of a foreman or site manager. The ability to follow instructions, work collaboratively with a team, and strictly adhere to safety rules is essential.

Skills and Qualifications

Formal education is usually not required for entry-level general demolition positions. Most of the necessary skills are learned on the job. However, prior experience in construction or related trades is helpful. Some states or cities may require demolition workers to be licensed.

The key attributes employers look for include:

• Physical fitness, strength, and stamina to perform strenuous labor.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Comfort with heights and working on ladders and scaffolding.
• Mechanical aptitude to operate power tools and machinery.
• Alertness and attention to safety hazards on the job site.
• Dependability, strong work ethic, and ability to follow directions.
• Driver’s license and clean driving record, as travel between job sites is often required.

Some demolition companies provide training or apprenticeship programs for new hires to learn the trade. There may be opportunities for advancement into roles like crew leader, heavy equipment operator, or site supervisor with experience.

Demolition Industry in Basingstoke

Basingstoke, a town in the county of Hampshire in South East England, has seen steady growth and development in recent years. With a population of over 113,000, it is an economic hub with diverse industries including IT, telecommunications, insurance, and electronics.

As Basingstoke continues to evolve and upgrade its built environment, there is an ongoing need for demolition services to clear outdated buildings and structures. Several local and regional demolition contractors are active in the Basingstoke area, working on a range of projects from single-family home teardowns to larger commercial and industrial demolitions.

Notable recent and upcoming demolition projects in Basingstoke include:

• The Anvil, a vacant 1960s office block in the town center, which is being demolished to make way for a new mixed-use development with hundreds of flats.
• Demolition of the old Basingstoke Leisure Park to prepare the site for a major new £20 million leisure center.
• Teardown of the former Eli Lilly pharmaceutical facilities on 108 acres to clear the property for a massive new warehouse and distribution complex.

These and other projects are generating job opportunities for local demolition laborers, as well as heavy equipment operators, truck drivers, and other supporting roles. Experience in asbestos abatement and removal is in particularly high demand as many of the buildings being demolished contain this hazardous material.

Job Outlook and Wages

The job outlook for demolition workers in Basingstoke and across the UK is positive, driven by the need to replace aging buildings, clear land for new development, and support infrastructure projects. As of 2021, demolition workers earn a median wage of £11.46 per hour in the UK. Salaries in Basingstoke tend to be on par with or slightly higher than the national median due to the area’s strong economy and high cost of living.

Entry-level laborers can expect to start out at minimum wage, currently £8.91 per hour for workers over 23. With experience and skills, demolition workers can earn up to £15 or more per hour. Those who advance into roles as demolition equipment operators or supervisors command higher wages of £30,000-£40,000 or more annually.

Self-employed demolition subcontractors with their own tools and vehicles can potentially earn a higher income but also have overhead expenses and less job security. Joining a union can provide demolition workers with better pay, benefits, and job protections.

Work in demolition tends to be cyclical, with busier and slower periods depending on the economy and local development activity. However, there tends to be a baseline level of continuous demand as old structures constantly need to be removed. Workers with diverse skills in multiple aspects of demolition and construction are best positioned to maintain steady employment.

How to Find Demolition Jobs in Basingstoke

Demolition workers can use a variety of strategies to find job opportunities in the Basingstoke area:

• Directly contact local demolition companies to inquire about openings and submit a CV. Major contractors serving the Basingstoke area include Hughes & Salvidge, R. Collard Ltd, Aasvogel Skip Hire, and Wessex Demolition.
• Search job boards like Indeed, Total Jobs, and Jobsite for demolition worker listings in Basingstoke. Set up email alerts for new postings.
• Use the Government’s Find a Job service to search for demolition positions and apprenticeships.
• Register with construction and demolition recruitment agencies that place workers with employers, such as Randstad, One Way Resourcing, and Rethink Recruitment.
• Network with others in the local construction and demolition industry. Join relevant groups on social media and attend industry events.
• Consider joining a union like Unite the Union or the GMB Union to access their job listings and apprenticeship programs.

Most demolition companies hire entry-level laborers on a project-by-project basis. It’s important to regularly check for new opportunities and be ready for immediate work on short-term contracts.

Conclusion

Demolition offers opportunities for workers in Basingstoke and surrounding areas to build a construction career with on-the-job training and potential for advancement over time. The most successful demolition workers combine strength and stamina, attention to safety, teamwork, and mechanical skills to efficiently break down and clear away structures.

With ongoing demand to demolish outdated buildings and clear land for new development, demolition workers can find fairly steady employment, although the work may be cyclical based on the economy and local industry needs. Gaining experience and cross-training in the use of different equipment and tools can improve job security and advancement opportunities.

Job seekers can find demolition work in Basingstoke by contacting demolition contractors directly, using job search websites and recruitment agencies, joining a trade union, and networking within the industry. With focus and dedication, a general demolition worker can develop a rewarding career making way for Basingstoke’s future built environment.

FAQs – Find General Demolition Worker Jobs in Basingstoke with Team Recruiting Today

Q1: What are the main responsibilities of a General Demolition Worker in Basingstoke?

A: A General Demolition Worker in Basingstoke is responsible for dismantling and removing buildings, structures, and other materials using various tools and equipment. They ensure the safe and efficient demolition of sites while following safety regulations and guidelines.

Q2: What qualifications are required to become a General Demolition Worker in Basingstoke?

A: Generally, no formal qualifications are needed to become a General Demolition Worker in Basingstoke. However, having a CSCS card and relevant experience in the construction industry can be advantageous. Some employers may provide on-the-job training.

Q3: What are the working hours for a General Demolition Worker in Basingstoke?

A: Working hours may vary depending on the project and employer. Typically, General Demolition Workers in Basingstoke work Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend work when required. Overtime may be available during busy periods.

Q4: What is the average salary for a General Demolition Worker in Basingstoke?

A: The average salary for a General Demolition Worker in Basingstoke ranges from £18,000 to £30,000 per year, depending on experience and the employer.

Q5: What are the career progression opportunities for a General Demolition Worker in Basingstoke?

A: With experience and additional training, a General Demolition Worker in Basingstoke can progress to roles such as Demolition Supervisor, Demolition Plant Operator, or Demolition Manager. Some may also choose to specialize in specific areas of demolition or start their own demolition contracting business.