People can become explosives experts in a variety of ways, depending on the types of explosives they want to work with and how they want to apply their knowledge. As a general rule, having a solid foundation in math and science, particularly chemistry, is essential because people who work with explosives on a daily basis rely on these skills. It’s also crucial to be able to stay calm under pressure and make quick, accurate decisions without panicking. People should also consider whether they want to work in ordnance disposal, mine removal operations, demolition, bomb squads, or security, as each requires a different set of skills.
Allowing the military to train you as an explosives expert is one of the best ways to go. People who work with explosives are needed by all branches of the military. People can learn how to use explosives in demolition, deal with unexploded ordinance, and deal with bomb threats, securing areas, and demining in the military. Many explosives experts who work for civilian agencies such as the police received their training in the military.
Military training for explosives experts is extensive, with plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience. There are explosives-related military careers available, or people can use their training in the civilian world after they are discharged. For people who want a leg up in the civilian world after becoming an explosives expert, military experience is often viewed as a strong aspect of a resume.
Some colleges and technical schools, as well as explosives academies, offer training for civilians interested in working with explosives. These courses all provide a foundation in how explosives work and how to deal with them, as well as practice opportunities. Different types of training are available for people who want to work on bomb squads, demolition teams, or explosives manufacturing. After being hired for a position, some people will receive training as an explosives expert, which their employers will pay for.
Apprenticeships and on-the-job training are also options for demolition training. If people know they want to work with explosives in construction, they can apply to work as an apprentice at a demolition company and gain skills and experience in the field, eventually becoming qualified to work as a demolitions expert on their own. Someone who chooses this path to becoming an explosives expert will learn how explosives are used in demolition, how to calculate demolition projects, and how to safely handle explosives.