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- Tasks: Join our Housing Repairs Team to make a real difference in residents' homes through plumbing repairs.
- Company: Reading Borough Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and life assurance.
- Why this job: Help improve people's lives while developing your plumbing skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing with proven experience.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values collaboration and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced, reliable and caring Plumber to join our Housing Repairs Team and make a real difference to people's homes across Reading. You will play an important role in helping our residents feel safe, comfortable and supported in their homes by carrying out a wide range of repair, maintenance and installation work in both occupied and vacant properties across the borough. Every job you complete contributes to improving people's daily lives.
About The Role:
Based at our Bennet Road depot in Reading (RG2 0QX), you will be part of a friendly, skilled and supportive Housing Repairs team delivering essential plumbing services to our tenants. You will carry out both routine and emergency plumbing repairs safely and efficiently, including:
- Installing and repairing sinks, WCs, water heaters and other plumbing assets
- Completing maintenance work on elements of heating systems, such as radiators
- Responding to urgent repairs when required
You will also take part in our out-of-hours emergency call-out rota, helping to support residents when they need it most. In this role, you will take ownership of your workload, tools, van stock and materials, ensuring jobs run smoothly and to a high standard. All work will be carried out in line with current legislation, safety standards and best practice. Because much of your work will take place in people's homes, a respectful, professional and considerate approach is essential. You will also keep clear and accurate records, including service sheets, orders and timesheets, so everything is transparent and well documented.
About You:
You are a skilled and dependable Plumber who takes pride in delivering quality work. You enjoy hands-on problem solving and finding practical solutions that really help people. You are professional and courteous when working in residents' homes, and you are able to stay calm, patient and empathetic in challenging situations. You enjoy working both independently and as part of a team, and you are committed to maintaining high standards of safety, workmanship and customer care in everything you do.
What we are looking for:
- City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing (or equivalent), with proven experience
- Strong plumbing repair, maintenance and installation skills, including full bathroom installs
- Experience working in occupied properties with a customer-focused approach
- Calm, empathetic and professional manner with residents
- Excellent problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to work flexibly, including out-of-hours emergencies
You will be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you will also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
- Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you will get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at 19 Bennet Road, Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
For more information on this position please contact Sean Donaghue, Assistant Housing Repairs and Maintenance Manager.
Closing Date: Monday 23rd February
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Setup: In person at 19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX
Plumber - Housing Repairs Team in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Plumber - Housing Repairs Team in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! Before you even think about applying, brush up on your plumbing skills. Make sure you can confidently talk about your experience with repairs and installations. We want to see that you’re not just a paper plumber but someone who can really get the job done.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to other plumbers or join local trade groups. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you a heads-up about openings. Plus, it’s a great way to show you’re part of the community we serve.
✨Tip Number 3
When you land that interview, be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills. Bring examples of tricky situations you’ve handled in the past. We love hearing about how you’ve made a difference in someone’s home!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our Housing Repairs Team and making a real impact in Reading.
We think you need these skills to ace Plumber - Housing Repairs Team in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your plumbing qualifications and experience in your application. We want to see how your skills can make a difference in our Housing Repairs Team!
Be Personable: Since you'll be working in residents' homes, it's important to convey your professional and caring approach. Share examples of how you've handled challenging situations with empathy and respect.
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your experience and qualifications shine through without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and get you on board with our fantastic team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your plumbing knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with installations, repairs, and maintenance work. Highlight specific examples where you've solved problems or improved a situation for residents.
✨Show Your People Skills
Since you'll be working in people's homes, it's crucial to demonstrate your professional and courteous approach. Prepare to share instances where you've handled challenging situations with empathy and patience, showing that you can connect with residents and make them feel comfortable.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect some technical questions or scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle an emergency repair or what steps you take to ensure safety and compliance. Think through your processes and be prepared to explain your problem-solving methods clearly.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role is all about collaboration, so be sure to highlight your ability to work well within a team. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success in previous roles and how you value working together to achieve common goals.
