AR Demolition employee celebrates academic success
Beth Thompson successfully completes UK’s first ever Foundation Degree in Demolition Management
INDUSTRY professional Beth Thompson from AR Demolition is celebrating after completing the UK’s first ever Foundation Degree in Demolition Management at the University of Wolverhampton.
Since joining the industry and taking her first role with Nuneaton-based AR Demolition in 2010, Ms Thompson has seen her career go from strength to strength, having started out as an office clerk before progressing to a management position.
Family-owned AR Demolition have grown rapidly since they were established in 2007 by managing director Richard Dolman and his cousin Andrew Thompson, who is also Ms Thompson’s uncle. Today, the business has become one of the leading service providers of its kind in the Midlands region, with a diverse portfolio that includes waste-management, recycling, decontamination and contract crushing and screening.
One of the biggest challenges facing the wider construction industry is addressing the alarming skills shortages and Mr Dolman believes the Foundation Degree, and other higher education qualifications, will attract more young people into the sector, as well as ensuring demolition engineers have access to the best possible professional development opportunities.
The Foundation Degree – which was developed in partnership between AR Demolition, University of Wolverhampton and Institute for Demolition Engineers (IDE) – is specifically designed to inspire future industry leaders and develop the next generation of talent.
While Ms Thompson admits that higher education was not her forte when she was younger, the pre demolition manager said she has no regrets over her chosen career path at AR Demolition.
The company supports and champions professional development as a means of career progression for all its staff and has put in place initiatives across its operations; designed to help employees add to their existing skill sets, further develop their expertise and, ultimately, fulfil their potential.
Ms Thompson commented: ‘I’d do better at school if I went back now, but I just didn’t enjoy it at the time. I was more of a hands-on learner – into machinery and technology. But I’m 10 years into a career that I love, and I’ve got a good job with a great company.’
Mr Dolman added: ‘When Beth [Thompson] started with us she was keen to watch and listen, keeping her eyes and ears open while being willing to get involved. And as she continues to learn; she grows in confidence for taking on new qualifications. So, our investment in talent is being rewarded. We’re playing our part in developing the next generation of construction professionals and we’re proud to be doing so.’
