Additional Information
Most demolition experts begin as laborers and work their way up the ladder.
Corrine Fulton started by cleaning the bricks that were used to build an entire
commercial area.
"I used to get paid to clean these bricks. It was brick by brick, so I
cleaned bricks until my fingers were raw. Then I got smart and hired more
people. I paid them half of what I got paid and oversaw what they did," she
recalls.
Several of the largest demolition firms are family owned, with successive
generations learning the business from their parents.
Blaster Jim Redyke agrees that a lot of people get into the field through
family. But he also says that he wants "to interview the people that have
an explosive background, they've got engineering skills, they've got communication
skills, and they've got computer skills. I'm looking for people that are not
just laborers," he says.
There are no schools that offer specific training in demolition. An educational
background in engineering, mining, explosives and computer systems such as
CAD would be helpful, says Redyke.
"I get this question all the time: 'How can I get started in this field?'"
says Redyke. His answer? "You have to work for a company that does this because
there's no schooling for it."
Those who can't learn the business through their family can still get a
foothold in the field without expensive formal education. A solid background
in construction methods and materials is a good first step. This can be obtained
at a trade school or on the job.
Experts who handle explosives are licensed by their state government and,
in many cases, have to pass licensing exams.