At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Estates team to diagnose and repair mechanical services, ensuring patient care is supported.
- Company: Be part of a forward-thinking healthcare organisation with exciting development plans.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, training opportunities, and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Exciting projects underway, including a new hospital and innovative digital healthcare initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Apprenticeship or equivalent in mechanical/plumbing engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Overview
We are looking for a motivated and skilled individual to join our Estates team, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to a vital service supporting patient care.
Training may be available in site‑specific roles, and you will be able to broaden and develop your skills with the support of the Estates management.
Working Hours and Schedules
37.5 hours a week: Monday to Thursday 8am – 4:30pm (1hour lunch), Friday 8am – 4pm (30minutes lunch).
Emergency overtime may be required, and work will be unsupervised.
You must participate in the Mechanical on‑call rota (currently 1 week in 9) and be able to make on‑site decisions using your own initiative to keep patients and staff safe.
Responsibilities
- Diagnose and repair faults on complex mechanical services, engineering plant and equipment; deal with new situations as they arise and pass on knowledge to others.
- Monitor temperatures using handheld data collection devices, diagnose faults, recalculate, and carry out repairs to thermostatic mixing valves, tanks and calorifiers to ensure compliance with the Control of Legionella Policy.
- Manufacture, assemble, erect, and install new plumbing work as required; fabricate or repair all sizes of iron pipework by screwing or welding.
- Work on steam‑raising plant, including distribution and condensate return systems.
- Carry out both installation repairs and planned preventative maintenance on heating systems, compressors, motors, pumps, heat recovery, ventilation systems and controls.
- Carry out statutory inspections and testing on mechanical services, engineering plant and equipment, and complete necessary documentation.
- Undertake electrical isolations of pumps, motors, etc. as instructed and on assessment of electrical competency.
Undertake non‑complex tasks including fault‑finding of other trades.
- Repairs to lifts including emergency evacuation of persons in accordance with Health & Safety requirements.
- Install heavy engineering plant using lifting equipment in compliance with Trust policies.
- Provide emergency recall and undertake on‑call duties as part of the on‑call team to ensure that emergency repairs occurring out of normal hours are attended to.
- Coordinate with other trades/disciplines, including external agencies (contractors).
- Participate fully in the Labour Management Scheme, completing timesheets and job dockets and providing all relevant information.
- Interpret detailed engineering drawings and specifications to instruct and advise others.
- Complete competent‑person assessments in relevant mechanical positions (e. g., BG01 operators, CP Medical Gases, CP Ventilation, CP Confined Spaces, CP Pressure Systems).
- Work on the repair and maintenance of Trust Estates assets such as heating plant, pumps, boilers, air‑handling units, BMS plant controls, water tanks and water quality systems, mechanical control panels, HWS systems, medical gas systems and refrigeration systems.
- Participate in programmed planned preventive and statutory maintenance on selected equipment and manage these tasks where required.
Qualifications and Experience
- Recognised and registered apprenticeship or equivalent training in mechanical/plumbing engineering (City & Guilds, BTEC ONC, NVQ2 and above).
- Recognised time‑served apprenticeship, or City & Guilds in Mechanical Engineering/Plumbing, or BTEC (ONC) in Engineering, or equivalent NVQ3 or above.
- CP Ventilation, CP Pressure Systems, BG01 Boiler operators or Steam knowledge and experience.
- Legionella awareness; experience with medical gas, pressure systems, water hygiene.
- Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and to make safe decisions.
- Proficiency with mobile phones and two‑way radios to facilitate immediate response to emergencies.
- Additional Information
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us.
We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital, re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners, and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.
Our vision is Excellent patient care, together, and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive.
Flexibility and Inclusion
We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work‑life balance.
For more information, visit our flexible working page ( If you have a disability or long‑term health condition, please let us know – we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments.
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Band 4 - Mechanical Craftsperson, Estates in Watford employer: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive environment for aspiring nephrologists. With a focus on professional development, extensive training, and opportunities for research and teaching, employees can thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful patient care in a vibrant community. The work culture promotes collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in healthcare.
Contact Details:
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 4 - Mechanical Craftsperson, Estates in Watford
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Cardiff and Vale University Health Board love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Band 4 - Mechanical Craftsperson, Estates in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and the Band 4 - Mechanical Craftsperson, Estates role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, making you a more appealing candidate.
