Degree course is a win-win situation for Matt

Trainee demolition engineer Matt Birch says he is thrilled to be part of the United Kingdom’s first degree in the subject, which starts next September.

The course will be offered through Wolverhampton University, which recently signed an agreement with the UK's Institute of Demolition Engineers.

And Matt, who works for midlands-based C&D Consultancy, thinks the course will change how the public sees the industry as a whole.

“I enjoy learning and I have developed a thirst for knowledge while working in demolition,” said Matt, who joined C&D full time earlier this year.

“This gives me the ideal opportunity to develop my skills even further – not to mention the chance of a national qualification.”

Matt, who will combine study time with his role at C&D, says the course can inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

“Hopefully it will help eliminate some common misconceptions about demolition, as well as showing it can be an alternative to other engineering careers,” he said.

“There is a lack of understanding about how complex the industry is. There is a lot more to it than just knocking down buildings and clearing the rubble.

“No two projects are the same and now is an incredibly exciting time to break into the demolition industry.”