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- Tasks: Join us as a Maintenance Operative, ensuring our school environment is safe and comfortable.
- Company: Old Swinford Hospital is a leading state boarding school with a rich history and diverse student body.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20 days of annual leave, a workplace pension, and a supportive work atmosphere.
- Why this job: Be part of a welcoming community focused on academic success and personal growth.
- Qualifications: 6 years of maintenance experience required; must be detail-oriented and safety-conscious.
- Other info: This role is permanent, full-time, and offers a chance to contribute to a vibrant school life.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
The Maintenance Operative role is permanent, all year round, to carry out day to day maintenance and repair works around site to help contribute to a safe and comfortable environment for our students and staff.
About OSH
Old Swinford Hospital is one of the country’s leading state boarding schools. The majority of the School’s students are boarders who come from a wide range of backgrounds in the UK and also from the EU and overseas. A third of our pupils are day pupils, who usually go home after lessons, unless they are involved in sport or music, CCF or DofE. The School is now on an exciting journey to become fully co-educational by September 2025. Girls joined us in September 2021 in Year 7, whilst the Sixth Form has been mixed since 2004.
OSH is a calm place to work. It is inclusive, tolerant and welcoming. The atmosphere is supportive and orderly, and it is also very relaxed because for many of our pupils their school is also their home.
We have recently had two very favourable Ofsted visits, one for boarding and one for curriculum. You can see these via our website www.oshsch.com. We enjoy a very good academic reputation and regularly feature in the lists of the most academically successful maintained schools. We’re not about league tables, however. We pride ourselves on developing in our pupils a balance of academic achievement, character and resilience and we’ve been doing this now for nearly 360 years.
A major building programme has recently been completed which includes a large extension to an already impressive sports centre, an all-weather floodlit sports pitch, a new teaching block with a specialist arts room, a performing arts centre and a new senior boarding house.
Person Specification
Experience and skills
- A minimum of 6 years’ experience is required in a maintenance repair role;
- All works must be carried out in a safe and responsible manner ensuring Health and Safety procedures are followed at all times;
- Must be able to communicate confidently;
- An eye for detail and accuracy.
Personal attributes
- A professional manner and appearance;
- Self-motivated with a positive, professional attitude;
- Ability to work as part of a team yet also to work under own initiative;
- Flexible approach and adaptable.
Job Specification
The Maintenance Operative will be responsible to the Site Manager. The person appointed will have the following essential skills and competencies:
Primary Duties
- You must be able to carry out a variety of maintenance disciplines to a high standard and have experience in fields including:
- Plastering and tiling;
- Slabbing and basic bricklaying;
- Basic plumbing;
- Painting and decorating.
Other Duties
- Other duties to ensure the smooth operation of the estates department within the School including:
- Advising the Site Manager of any damage/defects found to the building fabric or grounds;
- Physically moving desks, chairs, beds, wardrobes, lockers and other equipment;
- Cleaning of gutters, drains and gullies;
- Unblocking toilets and sinks;
- Taking readings of gas and electricity meters as directed;
- Assisting with receiving, offloading and distribution of deliveries;
- Attending training course or completing online training courses as required;
- Any other reasonable duties as required by the Headmaster, Bursar or Site Manager.
Hours & Remuneration of Work
This is a permanent, 37 hours per week, all year round position. The salary for your hours of work is £25,979 per annum. You will be entitled to 20 days’ annual holiday each year plus UK statutory public holidays. In line with current regulation you will, if you are eligible, be offered a workplace pension through NEST.
Old Swinford Services Ltd welcomes applications for employment from all sectors of the community.
Suitability to work with Children
Old Swinford Services Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants are required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.
Maintenance Operative employer: Old Swinford Hospital
Contact Detail:
Old Swinford Hospital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific maintenance tasks mentioned in the job description, such as plastering, basic plumbing, and painting. Being able to discuss your experience in these areas during an interview will show that you are well-prepared and understand the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Old Swinford Hospital's recent developments, like their new sports centre and teaching block. Mentioning these projects in your conversation can demonstrate your genuine interest in the school and its environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others or took initiative on your own, as this aligns with the personal attributes they are looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Since the role involves ensuring health and safety procedures are followed, be ready to discuss your understanding of these regulations. You could even mention any relevant training or certifications you have completed to reinforce your commitment to safety.
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific responsibilities and skills required for the Maintenance Operative position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in maintenance and repair works.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your six years of experience in maintenance roles. Include specific examples of tasks you've completed, such as plastering, plumbing, or painting, to demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Personal Attributes: In your application, mention personal attributes that align with the school's values, such as being self-motivated, having a professional manner, and being adaptable. This will help convey that you are a good fit for their inclusive and supportive environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a maintenance role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Old Swinford Hospital
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your six years of experience in maintenance repair roles. Be ready to discuss specific projects or tasks you've completed, especially those related to plastering, plumbing, and painting.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Since the role requires adherence to health and safety procedures, be prepared to talk about how you ensure safety in your work. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have that demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
The ability to communicate confidently is essential for this role. Practice explaining your past experiences clearly and concisely, and think of examples where effective communication helped resolve issues or improve teamwork.
✨Exude Professionalism
Dress appropriately and maintain a professional manner throughout the interview. This role involves working in a school environment, so showing that you can represent the institution well is crucial.
