At a Glance
- Tasks: Support maintenance of student accommodation and communal areas at York University.
- Company: Join a leading social enterprise dedicated to inclusivity and community spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 35 days holiday, healthcare support, and gym membership.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth with ongoing training and recognition schemes.
- Why this job: Enjoy practical work in a supportive team while making a difference for students.
- Qualifications: Basic maintenance skills and strong customer service attitude required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Places for People, we hire people, not numbers. We value those who embody our People Promises: do the right thing, enthusiasm, growth, community spirit, respect, and enjoyment of work. We are a UK‑leading social enterprise, non‑discriminatory across all protected attributes and dedicated to inclusive communities for customers and employees.
More About Your Role
We are looking for a Building Services Assistant to join our team on a temporary basis over the summer months at York University’s Heslington East campus. This hands‑on, fast‑paced role involves supporting the maintenance team with day‑to‑day upkeep of student accommodation and shared spaces, ensuring they remain safe, well‑maintained and welcoming. This is a 12‑week temporary contract: 40 hours per week. It is ideal for those who enjoy practical work, variety, and being part of a supportive team.
Essential Criteria
- Ability to carry out basic maintenance tasks such as decorating, joinery and minor repairs.
- Strong customer-service skills with a helpful, approachable attitude.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work well with others.
- Self‑motivated, organised and able to prioritise tasks.
- Willingness to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Responsibilities
- Support the maintenance team with the day‑to‑day upkeep of buildings, bedrooms, kitchens and communal areas.
- Carry out first‑response fixes where possible and report issues promptly.
- Follow all health and safety procedures at all times.
- Help minimise disruption to residents while maintaining high customer satisfaction.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with regular annual review.
- Pension with matched contributions up to 7 %.
- Bonus scheme at 2 %.
- 35 days holiday (including bank holidays) with the option to buy or sell days.
- Healthcare cashback plan (up to £500 per year).
- Access to wellbeing support, including counselling and flu jabs.
- Private GP and health support services.
- Rewards platform with retail and lifestyle discounts.
- Savings on groceries, travel, shopping and home products.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Professional qualifications and career progression support.
- Internal development programmes and learning support.
- Recognition schemes such as Star Awards and Colleague Awards.
- Strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing and colleague engagement.
- Free membership to Places Gyms.
Safeguarding
At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We have robust safeguarding policies and procedures and require Disclosure and Barring Service checks where applicable. All employees, volunteers and contractors are expected to uphold our safeguarding standards and report any concerns.
EEO Statement
Places for People is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all candidates, including those from disabled, neurodiverse and Armed Forces backgrounds.
Maintenance Assistant in Heslington employer: PfP Students
At Places for People, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and community spirit. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering competitive benefits such as a generous holiday allowance, healthcare support, and ongoing training opportunities. Join us at York University’s Heslington East campus this summer, where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a dynamic and rewarding work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Assistant in Heslington
✨Get Active in Industry Forums
Jump into communities for building systems and supply engineering, like the Building Services Engineering (BSE) forum. Contributing by answering questions or sharing insights can raise your visibility and help you connect with potential employers who value practical expertise.
✨Attend Local Industry Events
Keep an eye out for trade shows or local meetups related to building systems and supply engineering happening in your area. These events are great for networking; you'll likely meet industry professionals from companies like PfP Students who might have temporary roles available.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a portfolio showcasing your projects or experiences specifically in building systems supply engineering. Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your insights and connect with industry leaders. This helps us catch the eye of potential employers looking for temp roles.
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you're currently studying or just graduated, tap into your university career services. They might have exclusive listings for temporary positions or can connect you directly with companies like PfP Students looking for short-term talent in building systems engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Assistant in Heslington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in building systems supply engineering, it's crucial to highlight any relevant technical skills or certifications you’ve gained. Make sure to mention specific software or systems you've worked with, as this is a key area that hiring managers at PfP Students will be looking for. It’ll help set you apart from other candidates!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Temporary Experience:For a temporary role, it’s essential to tailor your CV to showcase how quickly you can adapt and contribute. If you have previous temporary or contract roles, detail your achievements in those positions. Employers like PfP Students will want to see how you've hit the ground running in past projects.
Include Relevant Projects in Your Application:Don't forget to mention specific projects you've been involved in that relate directly to building systems supply engineering. This could include case studies, reports, or any hands-on work. It gives PfP Students a sense of your problem-solving abilities and design thinking!
Convey a Willingness to Learn:Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Mention any relevant courses or training you’re currently pursuing or have completed. Showing that you're keen to grow in the field will make you an attractive candidate for PfP Students!
How to prepare for a job interview at PfP Students
✨Master the Basics of Building Systems
Make sure you’re all over the fundamentals of building systems supply and engineering. Brush up on your knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems since you could get some technical questions that assess your understanding of these areas. Show that you know your stuff – it’ll help us make a great impression on PfP Students.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Prowess
In this temporary gig, you’ll need to think on your feet and be ready to tackle unexpected challenges. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve navigated problems in the past. Bring out those real-life scenarios where you demonstrated your critical thinking skills in building systems!
✨Know What Temporary Work Entails
With this being a temporary position, it’s important to convey your flexibility and adaptability. Be ready to discuss why you’re keen on a short-term role and how you plan to quickly get up to speed with the team at PfP Students. Highlight your eagerness to jump in and contribute from day one.
✨Bring a Strong Portfolio (if relevant)
If you’ve worked on any projects relevant to building systems, have a portfolio ready to share. Whether it’s designs, reports, or case studies, having visuals can really help reinforce your skills and experience during your chat. Make sure it's polished and highlights your practical know-how in the field!
