UK’s first ever degree course for demolition to be launched next year.
The Institute for Demolition Engineers (IDE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Wolverhampton that will see bespoke courses developed to give more than 100 people every year the chance to study for a Bachelor of Science or Masters of Science Demolition and Restoration Management in the Built Environment degree.
The sector, which works on more than £8bn of projects ever year, will use the qualifications to attract more young people into the industry, as well as ensuring current demolition engineers have access to the best possible professional development opportunities.
The curriculum will be taught on site and at the University’s new Springfield Campus and will comprise of up to 15 different modules, ranging from asbestos removal and façade retention to working with explosives and health and safety.
Demolition experts Dr Terry Quarmby (Dorton Group), Mick Ulyatt (Samuelson Consulting), John Woodward (C&D Consultancy), Vernon Watson (QCMS) and Richard Dolman (AR Demolition) have all been involved in the initial planning, with industry trainers set to be involved in delivering the demolition specific elements of the degree. This will be reinforced by experienced lecturers at the University of Wolverhampton, led by Dr Paul Hampton, Head of Department at the School of Architecture and Built Environment.
So far more than 20 people have signed up for the degree course, which will be officially launched in September 2017.
Wolverhampton-born Matt Birch, a trainee Demolition Engineer at C&D Consultancy, is one of the first individuals to sign up for the new Demolition Degree.
“This is such an exciting breakthrough for our sector and gives me the ideal opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge even further, not to mention the chance to secure a national qualification in the process. I first thought about demolition as a career when John Woodward, MD of C&D, visited our school and talked to us about what was involved. Every day is different and that immediately captured my imagination and I’m already learning that there are lots of technical aspects you have to learn. This degree is the icing on the cake. I am also really proud that my home city University is leading the world with offering this qualification.”
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, added his support: “We have a proud track record of working in the field of construction and already have embedded certain elements of the demolition sector into our courses.
“The new site will provide a collaborative research environment, working closely with business and partners like IDE to offer cutting-edge facilities equipped with the latest technologies to provide innovative teaching – like the new Demolition degree – across a lifelong learning ladder of opportunities.”
