At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair plumbing and mechanical systems across our college campuses.
- Company: Join New College Swindon, a vibrant community focused on education and support.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by ensuring our facilities are safe and functional for everyone.
- Qualifications: Plumbing qualification or willingness to learn, plus practical maintenance skills.
Are you a practical, hands-on person with experience in plumbing, maintenance or facilities who enjoys solving problems and keeping buildings running smoothly? As a Facilities Technician (Mechanical / Plumbing) at New College Swindon, you'll play an important role in maintaining safe, functional and well-presented College buildings and facilities. You'll carry out routine plumbing repairs, minor mechanical maintenance and a range of wider facilities duties across our campuses. This is a varied, hands-on role where you'll be able to use your practical skills to resolve issues quickly, support day-to-day College operations and help reduce the need for external contractors. You'll need to be reliable, adaptable and confident working independently while knowing when specialist issues need to be escalated.
What you'll do:
- Undertake routine plumbing repairs, including leaks, blocked toilets, sinks, urinals and minor pipework faults.
- Carry out minor mechanical maintenance, including bleeding radiators and attending minor heating faults.
- Maintain drinking water fountains and support water hygiene procedures, including low-use outlet flushing.
- Identify faults and determine whether they can be safely resolved in-house or require specialist contractor support.
- Support site security, safety checks, emergency procedures and the operation of relevant alarm and access control systems.
- Carry out room setups, porterage and furniture and equipment moves for teaching, examinations, events and other College activities.
- Respond to Helpdesk tasks and undertake minor repairs and first-line maintenance within your competence.
- Support the presentation and cleanliness of external areas, including responding to spillages and adverse weather conditions.
- Assist with examinations, enrolment, open events, commercial hires and other operational activities.
- Provide a helpful and responsive service to staff, students, visitors and contractors.
- Work flexibly across College campuses and provide operational cover when required.
- Participate in the out-of-hours on-call rota, responding to alarms, emergency call-outs and urgent operational issues.
What we're looking for:
- A relevant plumbing qualification, or a clear willingness to successfully complete an agreed relevant plumbing qualification within 12 months of appointment.
- Experience in facilities, maintenance, caretaking or a similar operational environment.
- Experience of routine plumbing maintenance, minor plumbing repairs or first-line mechanical/plumbing response.
- The ability to identify plumbing or mechanical faults and determine when specialist support is required.
- Practical maintenance and repair skills, with the ability to work safely within your level of competence.
- A good understanding of Health & Safety responsibilities and safe moving and handling.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- The ability to organise and prioritise tasks, respond calmly to changing demands and work reliably under pressure.
- A proactive approach to practical problem-solving and maintaining safe, well-presented facilities.
- The ability to work independently using your own initiative, while contributing positively to a wider team.
- Level 2 English and Maths is desirable.
- Knowledge of legionella controls, water hygiene or low-use outlet flushing is desirable.
- Experience of supporting events, room setups or porterage is desirable.
- First Aid/Fire Warden qualification or willingness to undertake the training is essential.
- Willingness to work across North Star, Queens Drive and other College campuses as required.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of our community. Please note that this vacancy may close before the published closing date if sufficient applications are received, so if you are interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. To apply, you must have the right to work in the UK. Please note, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. New College Swindon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete appropriate pre-employment and DBS checks.
Facilities Technician (Mechanical / Plumbing) in Swindon employer: New College Swindon
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Facilities Technician (Mechanical / Plumbing) in Swindon
✨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 Facilities Technician (Mechanical / Plumbing) in Swindon
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 New College Swindon'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 New College Swindon. 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 New College Swindon
✨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 New College Swindon.