The Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE) has partnered with the university to offer bespoke courses designed to give more than 100 people each year the chance to study for a degree in demolition and restoration management in the built environment.

IDE hopes that this degree will help attract more young people into the industry as well as ensuring current demolition engineers have access to the best professional development opportunities.

The course will cover areas such as asbestos removal and façade retention as well as working with explosives and health and safety. 

Duncan Rudall, president of the IDE, said demolition had been the poor relation to construction and civil engineering for some time and felt this had to change.

“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.”

Demolition experts are set to be involved in delivering the specific segments of the degree and students will have the chance to hear from experienced lecturers at the university.

Matt Birch, a trainee demolition engineer at C&D Consultancy, has signed up for the degree and felt this was an exciting development for the sector.

“I first thought about demolition as a career when John Woodward, MD of C&D, visited our school and talked to us about what was involved. 

“Every day is different and that immediately captured my imagination and I’m already learning that there are lots of technical aspects you have to learn. 

“This degree is the icing on the cake.”

More than 20 people have signed up for the degree, which will be officially launched in September 2017.