Fitter's Mate / General Operative - Substation Location: Vanguard West, PE37 8EG Pay Rate: £25.00 per hour LTD / Umbrella or £18.50 per hour PAYE Overtime Rates: Available - see below Contract Type: Temporary, Outside IR35 Start Date: 19 October 2026 End Date: 30 April 2027 Hours: 50 hours per week, 10 hours per day Positions Available: 1 The Role: We are recruiting for a Fitter's Mate / General Operative to support mechanical and electrical installation activities at Vanguard West Substation. Working alongside experienced fitters and site supervisors, you will assist with general site maintenance, keeping work areas clean and tidy, erecting barriers and supporting installation teams with day-to-day activities. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous construction or substation experience who is looking for a long-term contract on a major energy infrastructure project. Key Responsibilities: Assist mechanical and electrical installation teams with general site activities. Support fitters with installation work, including cable-pulling activities where required. Erect and maintain site barriers and ensure work areas remain safe. Carry out general housekeeping, cleaning and tidying across the site. Follow all site health, safety, environmental and quality procedures. Work under the direction of the Chargehand or Site Supervisor. Complete allocated tasks within agreed timescales. Maintain a safe working environment and comply with site rules at all times. Essential Requirements: Valid CSCS card or CCNSG Safety Passport. Manual Handling training. Working at Height training. Fire Safety Awareness. Previous construction site experience. A strong commitment to health and safety. Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Desirable: Previous experience on a substation, power generation, utilities or other major infrastructure project. National Grid Person / BESC authorisation would also be advantageous. Pay Rates: First 37 hours: £25.00 per hour LTD / Umbrella or £18.50 per hour PAYE. After 37 hours and first 4 hours on Saturday: £26.50 per hour LTD / Umbrella or £19.61 per hour PAYE. After 4 hours on Saturday, Sundays and bank holidays: £28.89 per hour LTD / Umbrella or £21.37 per hour PAYE. The Ideal Candidate: We are looking for a reliable, proactive individual who takes pride in maintaining a safe and organised working environment. You should be willing to support the wider installation team, follow instructions and work safely in a busy substation environment. Interested? If you have a valid CSCS card or CCNSG Safety Passport and are available to start on 19 October, please get in touch with your CV, tickets and availability. Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age
Fitters Mate employer: Search Consultancy Ltd
Join a leading main contractor in Kendal, where you will be part of a dynamic and supportive work environment that values reliability and hard work. With competitive pay rates and the potential for ongoing employment, this role offers not just a job but a pathway to growth within a reputable company committed to health and safety. Experience the satisfaction of contributing to high-profile projects while working alongside skilled professionals in a fast-paced setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fitters Mate
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Search Consultancy Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Fitters Mate at Search Consultancy Ltd.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Search Consultancy Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!