We're Hiring
Job Advert: Trainee Asbestos Removal Operative
Location: Thurleigh (MK44 2EA)
Company: Jackson Environmental
Jackson Environmental Ltd are a family-run licensed asbestos removal company seeking hardworking and reliable individuals to join our team as Trainee Asbestos Removal Operatives. This is an excellent opportunity to start a career in a vital industry, with comprehensive training provided.
We primarily operate in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire and are looking for candidates located within a 20-mile radius of our Thurleigh yard (MK44 2EA).
Key Responsibilities
As a Trainee Asbestos Removal Operative, you will receive training to safely remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials in various environments. You’ll gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Criteria for Applicants
The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:
- Age: 18 years or older
- Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence (essential)
- Physical Fitness: Ability to perform physically demanding work
- Work Ethic: Hardworking, reliable, and eager to learn
- Health & Safety: Clean shaven and comfortable wearing a full-face mask for extended periods (see FAQ for guidance)
- Location: Reside within a 20-mile radius of MK44 2EA
In Return, We Offer
- Competitive Pay: Starting from £32,000 per annum (higher salary available depending on relevant experience).
- Pay Reviews: Pay reviews at 3, 6, and 12 months. With proven performance and reliability, operatives can realistically target earnings of approximately £45,000 in the first 12 months of employment (includes overtime and bonuses).
- Fleet Vehicles: Use of company vehicles for site work.
- Bonus Scheme: Staff Bonus Incentive Scheme, with daily pay additions depending on site.
- Overtime Pay: Extra pay for travelling and regular Saturday shifts.
- Leave & Benefits: 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays) and company pension scheme.
Working Hours
- Weekday Hours: Monday to Friday, 7am – 5pm (work on site 8am – 4.30pm, with 1-hour unpaid lunch break).
- Saturday Hours: 7am – 1.30pm (paid at your usual full-day rate).
- Candidates must be available for regular Saturday shifts, particularly during busy periods (minimum of 25 Saturdays per year).
Visit Our Website
We understand that starting a new role in asbestos removal can raise questions. For more information about the role, the work involved, and the health and safety procedures, please visit our website to review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. This will help you gain a clearer understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the role.
Time Scales
After your application, Jackson Environmental may conduct an initial interview via video call. Following this, a face-to-face interview will be arranged for the week commencing 23rd June 2025. Anticipated start date for successful applicants will be on or around 4th August 2025.
Fair and Inclusive Recruitment
To ensure fairness, all applications are assessed against the same objective criteria. Interview questions and scoring are standardised, and all hiring managers follow our internal Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) guidelines. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
How to Apply
If you are motivated, eager to learn, and excited to be part of a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to begin your career with Jackson Environmental!
Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in building materials and other products due to its durability, heat resistance, and ability to withstand chemical and biological degradation.
Due to the health risks faced by exposure to asbestos containing materials, removal and remediation work is highly regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Jackson Environmental are a highly experienced, family run, asbestos removal contractor licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
We undertake the full range of asbestos works throughout Beds, Bucks, Herts, Cambs, Northamptonshire, and occasionally beyond.
Asbestos removal operatives are trained professionals responsible for the safe removal or encapsulation of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Key tasks include:
- Preparing sealed work areas with controlled airflow (enclosures)
- Using specialist tools and techniques to remove asbestos safely
- Cleaning and decontaminating equipment and the work site
- Disposing of asbestos waste legally and securely
This work is carried out under strict conditions and licensing requirements, with close attention to health and safety.
There are risks, but they are tightly controlled. When all safety procedures, training, and equipment are properly followed, the job can be performed safely. Operatives wear full protective gear, including RPE, and follow strict decontamination processes.
Asbestos removal operatives must wear specific protective equipment to prevent exposure:
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE):
- Full-face, positive-pressure masks or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) with P3 filters are used.
- RPE must be properly fitted (face-fit testing is legally required). Operative must be clean shaven to achieve this.
- RPE is regularly cleaned, inspected, and maintained to ensure effectiveness.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Disposable coveralls (Type 5/6, typically white) with fitted hoods
- Gloves (usually nitrile or latex, double-layered)
- Boot covers or dedicated footwear
- Eye protection, depending on task
- All PPE is disposed of or decontaminated after use to prevent cross-contamination.
No prior experience is required for entry-level roles, but you must complete specialist asbestos removal training.
Having a CSCS card or general construction experience can be beneficial.
All training is provided by Jackson Environmental.
No qualifications or training are required to apply for this role as it is provided by us. It will include:
- Asbestos Removal Training – 3 Day Course (this will be undertaken at the start of your employment)
- In House Skill’s Training (we will teach you best practice on all skills required to succeed in the industry)
- Face-fit testing for Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
- PASMA & IPAF (following your probationary period, and as your skills develop we offer training in the use of Tower Scaffold & MEWPS – this will broaden the roles you are able to fulfil in the company)
Working hours can vary depending on the job site but early starts & Saturday work is common.
Conditions may include:
- Confined spaces
- Working at Height
- Dirty or dusty environments
- Wearing RPE & PPE for long periods
Overtime at Jackson Environmental is frequently available.
- Overtime pay is applied for additional travel to site
- Saturdays are frequently available. They are a shorter day but paid at a full day rate. (We expect operatives to be available for atleast 50% of Saturdays within the year – particularly during busy periods).
Yes. Travel is required between home, our yards and our sites. A driving licence is required. We generally operate within Beds, Bucks, Herts, Cambs and Northamptonshire
We operate a fleet of mostly transit, and transit custom vans. You will need to be comfortable driving these.
Travel to site is organised as efficiently as possible, so lift sharing is common.
Yes. Pay reviews are undertaken regularly from 3 months onwards and increases are given on merit. With experience, you can progress to roles such as:
- Senior Operative / Chargehand
- Supervisor
- Contracts Manager
Yes. The work can involve heavy lifting, wearing hot and restrictive RPE and PPE, and operating in tight or awkward spaces. A reasonable level of fitness is important.
Both. Jobs range from private homes to schools, hospitals, factories, and demolition sites. Every job is different, which keeps the role varied.
Yes. Asbestos is still present in many buildings across the UK and will need managing or removing safely for decades to come. The demand for skilled, qualified operatives remains very strong.
