IDE to launch UK’s first ever degree course for demolition
New Honours Degree in demolition to be launched at the University of Wolverhampton
AN agreement has been reached that will see the UK’s first ever degree course for demolition launched next year. The Institute for Demolition Engineers (IDE) has teamed up with the University of Wolverhampton to develop bespoke courses to give more than 100 students 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 £8 billion worth 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 has been the poor relation to construction and civil engineering for some time and this has got to change,’ said Duncan Rudall, president of the IDE. ‘We want to give people working in our sector the same opportunity as other industries to be officially recognized for their skills and expertise and the new demolition degree is the first step in this direction.’
He continued: ‘It is also an important milestone in trying to get more young people interested in pursuing a career with us. We have no problem attracting labourers and operatives, which is great. However, we want youngsters looking to become chartered demolition engineers, senior managers and the leaders of the future.
‘There isn’t anything like this currently in the UK and the University of Wolverhampton has shown their passion and understanding of our sector by agreeing to work with us to shape the content and delivery of the courses.’
The new degree courses will be officially launched at the University of Wolverhampton in September 2017.
