At Maylarch, our people are at the heart of everything we do, and each of them has a story worth sharing. Jess, one of our demolition operatives, has been with us for six years, and in that time she’s not only developed her skills but also carved out her place in a role that still remains largely male-dominated.

When asked about the biggest challenge she’s faced, Jess is frank: being a woman in demolition hasn’t always been easy. She’s had to deal with sexist comments and assumptions about her abilities, but rather than let this hold her back, she’s learned to rise above it. Sometimes that means speaking to a supervisor or manager, other times it’s simply ignoring the noise and focusing on what she does best – getting on with the job. Her resilience has been key to building respect and proving herself in the industry.

Jess particularly enjoys working on soft strip projects. For her, there’s something satisfying about being able to put her head down, work methodically through the list of tasks, and see steady progress. But it’s not just about individual effort. Working as part of the Maylarch team has been both challenging and rewarding, as everyone brings different ideas and ways of doing things. That variety can spark debate, but it also means there’s always an opportunity to learn from one another. Jess values the trust and support that comes from working within a strong team and knows that collaboration is what ensures a job gets done safely and effectively.

Over the years, Maylarch has supported Jess’s growth with ongoing training and regular feedback. This has allowed her to improve her skills, gain more knowledge, and take on greater responsibility. She’s ambitious too. With her sights set on becoming a machine driver and a supervisor in the future.

What Jess loves most about her work is the mix of teamwork, problem-solving, and the visible results of hard grafting. Every demolition project is different, and she thrives on the variety and unpredictability of the job. Whether it’s dismantling a structure or adapting when unforeseen challenges arise, Jess enjoys being hands-on and seeing the tangible progress made at the end of each day.

One thing she wishes more people understood is that demolition is far more than just “smashing things up.” Each project involves planning, effort, and precision, followed by a huge amount of work once the initial demolition is complete. It’s a skilled and physically demanding role that requires commitment and determination.

For anyone considering a career in demolition, Jess’s advice is clear: make sure you’re physically fit, prepared to work hard, and ready to be part of a team. Stay eager to learn, take advantage of training opportunities, and don’t shy away from tough graft – because that’s where the real progress is made.

And if she weren’t working in demolition? Jess says she could see herself back in the prison service, another demanding career that requires resilience, focus, and teamwork.

Jess’s journey with Maylarch is a reminder that determination and hard work can break down barriers in any industry. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and pride in a job that challenges her daily – and we couldn’t be prouder to have her as part of our team.

Interested in joining our company? Take a look at Our Careers