Demolition – the view from a trainee

Demolition companies are not just focused on the job site of the future. Tomorrow’s workforce is key as well.

For the industr y, talent acquisition and retention is challenging, and new blood is vital for its future competitiveness.

Outreach to schools and colleges, along with trainee and apprenticeship programmes, can all raise demolition’s profile among young people.

But the industry must also listen to the feedback from industry newcomers.

Kane Moran has been working at United Kingdom-based demolition and suppor ting ser vices company, Rye Group, since leaving school.

Here, he talks about his role.

“I’m a trainee demolition operative and machine driver. I started with Rye in January 2020 and have been learning on the job ever since. The journey never stops and it has been a great three years.

I am 19 years old and my dad has worked with Rye for a long time. Growing up, I was always able to visit sites with him. The industry, especially the machines, always interested me. When I left school at 16, dad introduced me to Rye’s managing director, Simon Barlow, who was happy to bring me on as a trainee.

I like getting in a dumper or a digger and get ting stuck in. You very quickly see the difference as you make changes to an area.

In my role I’m always swapping around too. I get to work with machines, as well as labouring.

The variet y is great and it keeps the job interesting.

One day I might be shif ting earth around site or grading waste through our screeners, the next I’ll be put ting up fencing, changing at tachments on machines, breaking out concrete or any one of many other tasks.

We arrive on site at about 7.25 in the morning, sign in and spend the first half hour checking machines and get ting ready for the day.

We check the tyres for pressure, bulges and shrapnel that may have become embedded. We ensure the hydraulics and tracks are in good condition and fuel up for the day. We fill the machines, check fencing, walk ways and generally ensure we are safe to start work.

There will be a briefing from the foreman, when we discuss the work for the day and have a health and safety briefing.

We break at 10 am and again at one o’clock for lunch.

We all break at the same time, so it’s a good oppor tunit y to spend time with the rest of the team.

The day typically finishes around 4 pm, depending on light conditions. We then do a site check, ensuring everything is tidy and safe overnight.

The Rye Group’s Kane Moran: ‘It has been a great three years. The journey never stops.’

PHOTO: RYE GROUP

When I star ted, I was put through a variety of training programmes straight away. I have my green and red CCDO [Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives] cards and a range of NPORS [National Plant Operators Registration Scheme] tickets, which I’m adding to all the time. All my training is on the job and I’m luck y to work with so many experienced people that are willing to help and support me.