At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to deliver top-notch property maintenance and repairs.
- Company: Onward Homes, a leading social housing provider in the Northwest.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 40 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in building trades and a relevant qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 35300 - 35300 £ per year.
About The Role
What you can expect from us:
- We offer a competitive salary of £35,300 per annum.
- 37 hour per week.
- 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays, a total of 40 days paid holiday per annum which is equivalent to 8 weeks.
- Salary Finance - access both short and long terms loans, plus provides access to a savings facility.
- Opportunity to further increase annual leave with service or through the holiday purchase scheme.
- Immediate entry to our Pension scheme (matched contributions up to 10%).
- A great flexible working environment, with a range of family friendly policies.
- Health cash plan with financial benefits and the option to extend to your family. Cover includes dental, optical, physiotherapy, 24HR private GP access and much more.
- Paid leave for absence including sickness, maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
- Access of up to £150 annually through the ‘Learning for life’ scheme.
- Access to a wide range of discounts and cash back offers, ranging from retail and automotive to holidays and cycle to work scheme.
- Develop your career with support and access to training and qualifications.
- 2 paid half days volunteering per year.
About the role:
We are looking for a General Building Technician/Ground Worker to join our Onward Repairs team on a permanent basis. The purpose of the role is to deliver property maintenance services in line with all group standards and key performance indicators. Ensuring high standard at all times, observing all legal, statutory and regulatory requirements while undertaking repair activities including ground work, building work and roofing within customer’s homes, voids and for other clients as required.
The ideal candidate will have proven experience in flagging, brickwork, and fencing and be capable of carrying out these tasks to a high standard.
Responsibilities:
- Delivery: In line with Repairs specification or approved best practice assess, coordinate and undertake the most cost effective repair solution delivering value for money.
- Organise materials, providing detailed information, effectively communicating with customers, other stakeholders and colleagues to deliver a high quality service.
- Ensure an adequate store of materials are available to operatives, including van based stock.
- Proactively organise workload to ensure the delivery of an efficient and effective service at all times.
- Liaison and technical advice: Liaise with clients, customers and colleagues regarding access, safe working practices, and assessment of repairs requirements and progress of repairs.
- Records: To complete jobs on PDA’s and maintain other records as required including access details, materials used, job progression and follow on information.
- Health and Safety: Undertake work activities in line with all health and safety requirements demonstrating a sound working knowledge of key legislative health and safety information and safe working practices. Assisting the promotion of Health & Safety.
- Work equipment: Operation of light machinery, plant and powered hand tools in accordance with recognised safety procedures. To be responsible for the safe use and daily maintenance of allocated Company vehicles.
Skills:
Essential:
- Sound knowledge of building construction, components, building trades and applicable building regulations.
- Experience of working in a customer focussed service.
- Proven ability to deliver a quality customer centred repairs service.
- Experience of working in a target driven environment.
- Sound knowledge of health and safety regulations, regulation and ACOPS relevant to the post and associated tasks undertaken within it, in line with HASAWA 1974.
Desirable:
- Experience of working within a commercial and domestic property maintenance environment.
- Experience of delivering services within the social housing sector.
- Experience of using PDA technology (hand held/mobile working technology).
Qualifications:
Essential:
- Minimum of L2 NVQ or equivalent qualification in bricklaying / roofing. And/or equivalent relevant experience.
- Appropriate CSCS card.
Desirable:
- Hold relevant health & safety qualifications which relate to the sector/construction industry in general.
- Asbestos awareness training.
- Relevant power tool training.
- Manual handling training.
- Appropriate and current training in COSHH & PPE.
- Access equipment and working at height training e.g. mobile work platforms.
About Us
About Onward: Onward Repairs is the in‑house repairs and maintenance service for Onward Homes, keeping customers’ homes safe, secure and well maintained. Our skilled teams deliver responsive repairs, planned works and voids services, combining high standards, strong teamwork and a customer‑first approach. We invest in our people and take pride in making a real difference to our communities. Onward Homes is one of the largest registered providers of social housing in the Northwest, with 35,000 properties across the region. We believe that everyone deserves a place to call their own, which is why we’re committed to building 500 new homes each year. We do more than just provide a roof over our customers’ heads, we’re here to make a real difference. In addition to creating positive spaces for our customers we continuously strive to create a positive and progressive workspace to enable our colleagues to achieve their full potential. We embrace diversity and strive for diverse teams to create an inclusive culture which enables Onward to thrive and be representative of the communities that we serve. We want to ensure that everybody has an opportunity to be part of our recruitment processes and will therefore make reasonable adjustments to accommodate our candidates. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you with our recruitment process via the email address below. If candidates have any concerns/questions in relation to the role at any stage of the recruitment and selection process they can contact the HR team on HumanResourcesTeam@onward.co.uk and a member of the HR Team will be in touch.
General Builder in Runcorn employer: Onward Homes Limited
At Onward, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and an impressive 40 days of paid holiday per year. Our flexible working environment, commitment to employee development, and comprehensive benefits package, including health plans and volunteering opportunities, create a supportive culture that values work-life balance and personal growth. Join our expanding team in the Wirral and Runcorn area, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our customers and communities while advancing your career in property maintenance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Builder in Runcorn
✨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 General Builder in Runcorn
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 Onward Homes Limited'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 Onward Homes Limited. 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 Onward Homes Limited
✨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 Onward Homes Limited.