Maintenance Operative - Painter Decorator in Wigan

Maintenance Operative - Painter Decorator in Wigan

Wigan Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Homes for Students

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Maintenance Operative, focusing on painting, decorating, and property upkeep.
  • Company: Homes for Students, the UK's top student accommodation provider.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, exclusive discounts, and a birthday day off!
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while honing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in painting, decorating, and property maintenance is essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Homes for Students is the UK's leading provider of student accommodation. We currently have a vacancy for a Maintenance Operative – Painter & Decorator at our properties in Liverpool, Manchester, Salford and Lancaster, working 40 hours per week. This is a hands‑on role combining painting and decorating responsibilities with general property maintenance duties. You will be responsible for carrying out planned and reactive maintenance, ensuring statutory compliance is maintained at all times, and helping to provide a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for our residents.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining the condition, appearance, and repair of the property, delivering a high‑quality customer experience through the prompt and effective resolution of maintenance issues.

Key Responsibilities
  • Carry out painting and decorating works within student rooms, communal areas, and external property areas as required.
  • Prepare surfaces for decoration, including filling, sanding, and finishing to a high standard.
  • Undertake planned and reactive maintenance tasks across the property.
  • Complete minor repairs and maintenance works across a range of trade disciplines.
  • Ensure statutory compliance and health and safety requirements are maintained at all times.
  • Report maintenance issues and outstanding actions promptly, keeping relevant stakeholders informed of progress.
  • Liaise with internal teams, contractors, and suppliers to ensure maintenance works are completed efficiently.
  • Maintain accurate records of completed works and identified issues.
  • Support room turnaround periods to ensure accommodation is ready for incoming residents.
  • Ensure work areas are safe, clean, and tidy at all times.
Person Specification
  • Previous experience in painting and decorating.
  • Previous experience in property maintenance or a similar environment, or qualified in a relevant trade with the ability to work across multiple disciplines to a reasonable standard.
  • Knowledge of safe working practices, including COSHH, Manual Handling, and Working at Height.
  • Awareness of health and safety legislation and compliance requirements.
  • Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively and keep stakeholders informed.
  • Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to prioritise workloads and meet competing deadlines with minimal supervision.
  • Proactive approach with the ability to use initiative and resolve issues quickly and effectively.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Reliable, punctual, and flexible approach to work.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality workmanship.
What's on Offer
  • Generous holiday package of 25 days, plus bank holidays, to recharge and enjoy life outside of work (pro rata for part-time colleagues).
  • Access to a range of exclusive retail discounts to make your money go further.
  • Take your special day off! Enjoy your birthday with a well-deserved break from work.
  • Stay active and eco-friendly with our cycle‑to‑work scheme.
  • Make a difference in the community with 2 charity days per annum.
  • Opportunity to work towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Homes for Students is an equal opportunity employer and a member of Inclusive Employers. We believe we grow and learn better together through diversity, so we encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. We are also happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process.

If this sounds like the role for you and you have the skills, knowledge, and experience required, we would love to hear from you.

Maintenance Operative - Painter Decorator in Wigan employer: Homes for Students

Homes for Students is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With generous holiday packages, exclusive retail discounts, and opportunities for professional growth through nationally recognised qualifications, our Maintenance Operative – Painter & Decorator role in vibrant cities like Liverpool and Manchester provides a fulfilling career path. Join us in creating a welcoming environment for students while enjoying the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Homes for Students

Contact Details:

Homes for Students Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Maintenance Operative - Painter Decorator in Wigan

Get Your Hands Dirty

In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!

Join Trade Associations

Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!

Showcase Your Work Online

Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.

Apply Directly and Follow Up

Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!

We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Operative - Painter Decorator in Wigan

Painting and Decorating
Property Maintenance
Surface Preparation
Health and Safety Compliance
COSHH Knowledge
Manual Handling
Working at Height

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Homes for Students's eye.

Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Homes for Students. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.

Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!

Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!

How to prepare for a job interview at Homes for Students

Master the Hands-On Skills

In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!

Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand

Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.

Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices

Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Homes for Students.