At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and improve properties, ensuring safe and well-kept homes.
- Company: Be part of Reading Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience in construction and good communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
Job description
Are you a hands-on team player who takes pride in quality work and excellent customer service? Join our Property Services team at Reading Borough Council as a Labourer - Semi-Skilled Operative. You\'ll be part of a dedicated team maintaining and improving properties across Reading, helping us deliver safe, well-maintained homes and facilities for our community.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people, as diversity and inclusion are the keys to our success. Reading Borough Council is also a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to ensuring we have the safe working environment to be able to meet the skills we need from the wider community.
About the role:
The position is full-time Monday - Friday on site by 08:00am and leaving site at 4:00pm
We are looking for a Labourer that is skilled, motivated and keen to work in a fast moving and constantly evolving Public Sector.
As a Semi-Skilled Labourer, you will be:
- Able to conduct works, in a safe and effective manner using schedule of rates and working to the Councils Pay and Productivity scheme.
- Assisting other trades within the property maintenance service with Reactive day to day repairs for Reading and Wokingham, but also Voids and Planned Maintenance when required.
- Managing van stock and assess works to ensure the right materials and time to complete a first-time fix.
- Working closely with colleagues, managers and other departments to produce efficient polite and professional service for our customers.
- A good communicator with building/decorating knowledge as well as other basic skills and be able to demonstrate relevant experience within the construction industry.
- The majority of the work will in and around tenanted properties, care must always be exercised to avoid damage to occupants\' property. All tenants/customers and colleagues will be always treated with courtesy and respect.
- Working closely with trades to assist with fencing, roofing, carpentry, plastering and brickwork. Also, to undertake small repairs or decorating works alone, for example: small fence repairs, mould wash and seal, make safe areas and delivery of humidifiers/heaters etc.
- Full valid manual driving licence.
You will be part of a team that relies on everyone 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 to live and work.
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
What we 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
- Training and development opportunities
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Bennet Road
- 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, and a salary sacrifice scheme to help lower the cost of your nursery fees
- 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
- Uniform and PPE provided.
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Sean Donaghue – Assistant Housing Repairs and Maintenance Manager -
Closing Date: Sunday 19th October 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interviews will be taking place in person at 19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX
Semi-Skilled Labourer in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work environment, fostering employee growth and development within the Property Services team. With a strong commitment to diversity, competitive benefits such as generous holiday entitlement, training opportunities, and a modern working environment, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community of Reading.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Semi-Skilled Labourer in Reading
✨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 Semi-Skilled Labourer in Reading
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 Reading Borough Council'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 Reading Borough Council. 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 Reading Borough Council
✨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 Reading Borough Council.
