At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the maintenance and security of our academy's campus while ensuring a safe environment.
- Company: A collaborative and supportive academy in Kingston upon Thames.
- Benefits: Join a cohesive team with manageable workloads and clear operational protocols.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent transport links and a supportive local community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a vibrant community while developing practical skills.
- Qualifications: Health and safety certificate and practical experience in maintenance preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35892 £ per year.
We require a competent, proactive Site Assistant to support the operational management, day-to-day maintenance, and security of our academy’s physical infrastructure and grounds. Operating within a supportive environment, the successful candidate will work closely with the estates team to ensure a safe, clean, and fully operational campus that meets all health and safety requirements for students, staff, and visitors.
An 11–16 secondary school located in Kingston upon Thames, South West London. The school operates with a centralized behaviour system managed by the senior leadership team to maintain a quiet, structured, and respectful environment across the entire campus. The estates and operations department is a supportive, cohesive team that shares duties and utilizes streamlined digital logging tools to keep staff workloads manageable. Clear operational protocols are in place to ensure routine maintenance and compliance tasks are distributed fairly and completed during standard working hours.
KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS
- Site Security & Access: Assist with the daily opening and closing routines of the school campus, ensuring all buildings are secure, alarms are set, and the site is safe for daily occupancy.
- Maintenance & Repairs: Carry out reactive and planned first-line maintenance tasks, porterage duties, and minor repairs across the school fabric and fixtures to a high standard.
- Compliance & Health & Safety: Complete routine statutory testing, including weekly fire alarm checks, legionella flushing, and visual playground inspections, maintaining accurate logs for health and safety records.
- Contractor & Lettings Support: Help monitor external service contractors on-site and support the coordination of school facilities during busy evening and weekend community lettings.
- Emergency Response: Act as part of the rapid-response team for urgent site issues such as adverse weather clearing, localized cleaning requirements, or immediate safety hazards.
PROFILE REQUIREMENTS
- Qualifications: A recognized health and safety or facilities management certificate (such as IOSH or equivalent) is desirable, along with a valid UK driving license.
- Experience: Proven practical experience in caretaking, building maintenance, or a similar handyperson role, ideally within a school or public sector environment.
- Skills: Strong practical problem-solving skills, clear communication when interacting with school leadership and external visitors, and a reliable, collaborative approach to team tasks.
REGIONAL CONTEXT
- Local Area & Community: Based in the historic royal borough of Kingston upon Thames, the school serves an ambitious and diverse South West London community. The area combines riverside charm, vibrant town-centre amenities, rich heritage, expansive parks such as Richmond Park and Bushy Park, and a strongly supportive network of local families.
- Transport & Commuting: The school benefits from excellent regional transport links, with direct road connections via the A3, A307, and A308 corridors. Comprehensive local bus networks connect the borough across Greater London and Surrey, while Kingston and Surbiton railway stations provide rapid, frequent South Western Railway services into London Waterloo and the wider home counties.
Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.
Site Assistant | Collaborative & Supportive Academy | Kingston upon Thames employer: Marchant Recruitment
Marchant Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. As a Nursery Teacher in Hillingdon, you will benefit from a collaborative team environment, opportunities for continuous development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on young learners' lives in an Outstanding primary school setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Assistant | Collaborative & Supportive Academy | Kingston upon Thames
✨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 Site Assistant | Collaborative & Supportive Academy | Kingston upon Thames
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 Marchant Recruitment'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 Marchant Recruitment. 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 Marchant Recruitment
✨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 Marchant Recruitment.
