At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and optimise heating systems and plumbing across a beautiful campus.
- Company: Downside School, a historic educational institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, access to leisure facilities, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent work-life balance and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a stunning environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be Gas Safe registered with relevant plumbing experience.
Fully qualified Gas Safe registered Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer to join the Works Department at Downside School.
Key Responsibilities
- Planned & Reactive Maintenance: Undertake routine servicing, statutory safety inspections, fault diagnosis, and reactive repairs on all gas boilers, plant rooms, and ancillary equipment across the estate.
- System Balancing & Optimisation: Manage water distribution, heating loops, and hot water storage systems.
- Water Hygiene Compliance: Maintain and monitor hot and cold water services to prevent stagnation, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
- Contractor Liaison: Liaise with and assist in supervising external contractors during major plant overhauls or other work on site.
- Emergency Out‑of‑Hours: Participate in an on‑call emergency response rota to address critical heating or plumbing failures on campus.
Experience & Qualifications
- Commercial Gas Safe: Valid COCN1 (or CODNC01), CIGA1, CORT1, ICPN1, and TPCP1/1A.
- Domestic Gas Safe: Valid CCN1 and CENWAT.
- Plumbing / Hot Water: HWSS (G3 Unvented Hot Water Systems certification).
- Experience working in historic or listed buildings.
- Experience working in an educational environment, preferably a boarding school.
- Basic electrical competence for safe isolation and boiler control fault‑finding.
Benefits
- Working on a single static site at a beautiful rural campus.
- Complimentary lunches from our on‑site caterers.
- Free uniform and safety equipment.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Complimentary access to onsite leisure facilities, including indoor swimming pool, gym and squash courts.
Contractual Details
- Competitive salary between £40,000 and £45,000 dependent on qualifications & experience.
- Working hours: 39 hours per week (Monday‑Thursday 08:00‑16:30, Friday 08:00‑15:30) with a 30‑minute unpaid lunch break.
- Permanent contract, 52 weeks per year with 28 days annual holiday (including bank holidays).
- Location: Radstock, England.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We strive to be an equal opportunities employer and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be DBS checked.
Plumber & Heating Engineer employer: isbi schools
Downside School offers a unique opportunity for Plumber & Heating Engineers to thrive in a supportive and enriching environment. With a focus on employee well-being, the school provides complimentary lunches, access to leisure facilities, and a commitment to professional growth, all while working on a picturesque rural campus. Join a team that values your expertise and fosters a culture of collaboration and respect.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plumber & Heating Engineer
✨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!
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 isbi schools'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 isbi schools. 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 isbi schools
✨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 isbi schools.
