Demolition Apprenticeships for Businesses
Demolition apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for businesses who are looking to develop their workforce. By training individuals from the start of their career, businesses can prepare demolition workers who are aware of best practice and have the bespoke skills passed on from experienced and knowledgable professionals – making it an attractive offer for the longevity of their labour pool.
The Demolition Trailblazer Apprenticeship supports the education of demolition operatives under the Certificate of Competency of Demolition Operatives (CCDO) accreditation scheme, and is endorsed by the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC). This programme is delivered by London South East Colleges (LSEC) in collaboration with the National Demolition Training Group (NDTG).
Find out more on the apprenticeship scheme below.
Key Information
Standard: Demolition Operative Level 2
Location: National – Satellite Delivery. Regionally coordinated by London South East Colleges
Start Date: November 2026
Induction Dates:
- 13.11.2026 – Employer Induction | Online Session
- 20.11.2026 – Learner Induction | Online Session
Duration: 2 Years
Places Available: 24
Eligibility: Full time employment within the UK
Training Requirements: 7 blocks over 2 years. Each block being 3-5 days.
The Demolition Trailblazer Apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with
National Federation of Demolition Contractors
London South East Colleges
Apprenticeships GOV
Fully Funded Demolition Apprenticeships
The Level 2 Demolition Operative Apprenticeship is fully funded by the government valued at £18,000, and if you hire an apprentice aged 16-24 starting their apprenticeship from October 2026, you may be eligible for an additional £2000 incentive if you are a non CITB levy paying company.
CITB Grant
The achievement grant will only be available upon completion of the apprenticeship by the learner, valued at £3,500.
Altogether, businesses can receive up to £23,500 when employing apprentices and investing in their development.
Payment
Payment is dealt with through the Apprenticeship Levy automatically.
- If your payroll exceeds £3 million, you already pay the apprenticeship levy.
- Employers not paying the levy contribute 5% of apprenticeship training costs, with the government funding the remaining 95% through co-investment. For example, a £900 employer contribution unlocks £18,000 in government funding.
Timeline for the Trailblazer Apprenticeship
Deadline to sign up: 31 October 2026 Register now.
The Demolition Trailblazer Apprenticeship will be delivered by the NDTG, LSEC and other providers arranged by the college.
- Year 1’s training will be covered by our trainers at the NDTG.
- Year 2’s training will be arrange by LSEC with dates to be confirmed.
Group 1 - Jan 2027 start
11.01.2027 – Apprentice Introduction to Demolition
12.01.2027 – Apprentice CCDO Demolition Labourer
13.01.2027 – Asbestos Awareness & Effective Communication
14.01.2027 – HSE Revision & CCDO Test
12.04.2027 – Abrasive Wheels & Safe Use of Petrol Drive Cut-Offs Saws
13.04.2027 – Manual Handling & Safe Use of Hand / Demolition Tools
14.04.2027 – Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal
02.08.2026 – Working at Height & Harness Safety Awareness
03.08.2026 – COSHH Awareness & Spillage and Pollution Prevention
04.08.2026 – CLOCS: Site Access Traffic Marshalling
25.10.2027 – Temporary Works Awareness & CCDO Demolition Operative
26.10.2027 – Emergency First Aid at Work
27.10.2027 – Safe Use of Oxygen / Fuel Cutting Theory
28.10.2027 – Safe Use of Oxygen / Fuel Cutting Practical
29.10.2027 – Cable Avoidance
TBC – CPCS Slinger/Signaller – All types and duties by employer
TBC – CPCS Slinger/Signaller – All types and duties by employer
TBC – CPCS Slinger/Signaller – All types and duties by employer
TBC – Remote Controlled Demolition Plant
TBC – Remote Controlled Demolition Plant
TBC – Remote Controlled Demolition Plant
TBC – Working in Confined Spaces (Medium Risk)
TBC – Working in Confined Spaces (Medium Risk)
TBC – IPAF Scissor Lift and Boom by Employer
Group 2 - Feb 2027 start
15.02.2027 – Apprentice Introduction to Demolition
16.02.2027 – Apprentice CCDO Demolition Labourer
17.02.2027 – Asbestos Awareness & Effective Communication
18.02.2027 – HSE Revision & CCDO Test
04.05.2027 – Abrasive Wheels & Safe Use of Petrol Drive Cut-Offs Saws
05.05.2027 – Manual Handling & Safe Use of Hand / Demolition Tools
06.05.2027 – Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal
06.09.2026 – Working at Height & Harness Safety Awareness
07.09.2026 – COSHH Awareness & Spillage and Pollution Prevention
08.09.2026 – CLOCS: Site Access Traffic Marshalling
22.11.2027 – Temporary Works Awareness & CCDO Demolition Operative
23.11.2027 – Emergency First Aid at Work
24.11.2027 – Safe Use of Oxygen / Fuel Cutting Theory
25.11.2027 – Safe Use of Oxygen / Fuel Cutting Practical
26.11.2027 – Cable Avoidance
TBC – CPCS Slinger/Signaller – All types and duties by employer
TBC – CPCS Slinger/Signaller – All types and duties by employer
TBC – CPCS Slinger/Signaller – All types and duties by employer
TBC – Remote Controlled Demolition Plant
TBC – Remote Controlled Demolition Plant
TBC – Remote Controlled Demolition Plant
TBC – Working in Confined Spaces (Medium Risk)
TBC – Working in Confined Spaces (Medium Risk)
TBC – IPAF Scissor Lift and Boom by Employer
Check out how demolition apprentices have found their experience working in industry via our YouTube channel.
Induction onto the Demolition Trailblazer for Businesses & Apprentices
To support demolition businesses and candidates before starting the apprenticeship, LSEC will be conducting two online induction sessions.
In the employer session, you will discover the roles of the college, the training providers, what assistance is in place, and advice on how you can manage your role as the employer to ensure that apprentices are achieving their targets.
In the learner session, students will find out more about the structure of their training, the support that is in place to ensure that they are progressing in their role, and how they can prepare their portfolio throughout the year as evidence towards their final assessments.
13.11.2026 – Employer Induction | Online Session
20.11.2026 – Learner Induction | Online Session
Join the businesses investing in apprenticeships today.
FAQs
Please find the answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding demolition apprenticeships. If you still have further questions, please email hello@ndtg.training or call us on 01442 217 144 (opt 2).
How often are apprentices in a classroom or centre?
- In Year 1, 4 blocks (3-5 days in class).
- In Year 2, 3 blocks (3-5 days in class).
What is the location of the classroom or centre?
- Year 1, NDTG Training Centre, Hemel Hempstead.
- Year 2, arrange with LSEC to arrange the best location.
Can existing employees access the Demolition Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme or is it new recruits only?
Yes, existing employees can apply for the Demolition Trailblazer Apprenticeship. It is not restricted to new recruits.
Are there any age limits of restrictions for Apprentices?
Minimum age 16 with no maximum.
Business Testimonials on Demolition Apprenticeships
Testimonials from businesses who have taken on apprentices and their experiences,.
Employing demolition apprentices has helped us develop a skilled workforce trained to our standards and supports our succession planning as well as strengthening our safety culture and improves our staff retention.
We have been pleasantly surprised by how quickly apprentices develop with the right support. Their enthusiasm and commitment combined with quality apprenticeship training, have made them valuable members of our team and a strong investment for our future as a company.
Melvyn Cross | Managing Director
Total Reclaims Demolition
The demolition and construction industry are really struggling to get the younger generation on board to take over the skills needed to carry the industries on, so when the opportunity arises where we can get the younger generation interested and trained we should all jump on board and put operatives on the apprentice programmes, at the end of the 2 year programme we get an operative that’s trained and gained some experience to do their job.
Ronnie Mould | Safety, Health & Environment Director
Northeast Demolition
Blog Articles on Demolition Apprenticeships
If you are unsure on whether demolition apprenticeships are right for your business or would like some advice on how you can prepare to take on learners for the first time, we have written articles on these subjects.
