At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure a safe and clean environment while managing security and maintenance tasks.
- Company: Join Essex County Council's Adult Community Learning team in Colchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for training, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a focus on health and safety.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: GCSE level education or equivalent experience; hands-on problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 25959 - 25959 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time £25,959 per annum
Location: Colchester
Working Style: Fixed-base worker
Closing Date: 21st June 2026
Adult Community Learning (ACL) is ECC’s provider of lifelong learning experiences for Essex residents. ACL offers qualifications to help people move nearer to, enter, or progress within the workplace, or gain skills to enhance life chances. The service focuses many of its programmes and activities on the hardest to reach communities within Essex. ACL learners have access to a diverse range of accredited and non-accredited courses which encourage creativity, healthy lifestyles, social inclusion, and engagement.
The Premises Assistant is responsible for organising and carrying out effective caretaking and cleaning of the centre to ensure a safe and clean environment for customers, with responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of all Health & Safety requirements at the centre.
ACL Colchester Working Pattern:
- Works on a two-week shift pattern.
- Week 1: Monday – Friday 06:30 – 14:30
- Week 2: Monday 9am – 5pm, Tuesday 2pm – 10pm, Wednesday 2pm – 10pm, Thursday 2pm – 10pm, Friday 9am – 5pm
You will be required to work at least one Saturday a month 08:00‑14:00 (time in lieu) and be flexible in the business need to cover staff shortages. Outside of term time you will work day‑time hours.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the security of and access to the site by locking and unlocking building to allow access, acting as key‑holder in an emergency and responding to calls outside normal working hours, setting, and turning off alarms as required and checking them regularly.
- Undertake caretaking and cleaning to ensure an efficient and effective service is provided for staff, learners, and customers.
- Ensure cleaning standards are met in accordance with specifications.
- Take part in and help organise periodic emergency evacuation of premises in line with Health & Safety codes of practice.
- Prevent, as far as possible, unauthorised access to the site and unauthorised parking of vehicles, within appropriate policies and codes of practice.
- Welcome members of the public, other colleagues, and contractors onto site.
- Maintain an inventory of the centre’s equipment, update and review on an annual basis.
- Test and check functioning of electrical equipment.
- Undertake Health and Safety Risk Assessments, including external premises, ensuring policies and procedures are adhered to.
- Monitor systems and equipment ensuring they meet health and safety requirements.
- Monitor contractors and personnel working on the site, ensuring work is carried out in accordance with specification and compliant with health and safety procedures.
- Maintain grounds, including mowing and clearing of weeds, ensuring all hard areas and paths are free from litter and drains and gullies are free flowing and clean.
- Clear snow paths and provide access to premises in all weathers.
- Set, turn off and check alarms as required and check them regularly.
Essential Requirements:
- Educated to RQF level 2 (GCSE) or equivalent through relevant work experience.
- Enthusiastic about learning and developing your skills on the job, with opportunities for growth and training.
- A hands‑on approach to addressing challenges and finding practical solutions.
- Previous experience in cleaning, caretaking, or maintenance tasks.
- Familiarity with Health & Safety regulations, including manual handling procedures, ensuring the safety of yourself and others.
- Comfortable using basic IT tools for email, Teams, and general admin tasks.
- Friendly and approachable, able to communicate effectively and provide a warm welcome to all visitors on site.
Applicants must be mobile throughout an operational area and possess a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements under the Job Interview Scheme. All veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements will be interviewed. Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants may need to register with the DBS update service if the role requires a DBS check. This is an annual subscription, and the employee will be responsible for maintaining it.
Contact: ami.fosker@essex.gov.uk
Premises Assistant in Colchester employer: Essex County Counci
Adult Community Learning (ACL) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Colchester. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, ACL offers opportunities for training and skill enhancement, ensuring that staff can thrive while contributing to the community's lifelong learning journey. The organisation values diversity and promotes a culture of safety and well-being, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Premises Assistant in Colchester
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Essex County Counci just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Essex County Counci. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Premises Assistant in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Premises Assistant role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Essex County Counci, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Essex County Counci, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Essex County Counci, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
