At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and improve facilities at RAF Croughton, ensuring safety and functionality.
- Company: VIVO Defence Services, supporting the UK military with innovation and care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company van, pension scheme, and generous leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team and make a real impact in the defence sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in fabric maintenance, strong communication skills, and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation.
We put our Customers and Families First. They are the driving force behind everything we do. We drive forward improvements for them to ensure the service they receive, whether reactive repairs or a major project, is completed safely and on time. In order to achieve this, we have 4 core values: open, caring, agile and collaborative. These are at the heart of everything we do.
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Location: RAF Croughton, Northamptonshire
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 dependent on experience
Are you a skilled Fabric Engineer with a passion for maintaining high-quality facilities and infrastructure? Do you take pride in delivering excellent workmanship and being part of a team that keeps critical environments running smoothly? VIVO is looking for a dedicated Fabric Operative to join our growing team at RAF Croughton. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a forward-thinking organisation supporting the UK Defence estate while developing your career in a fast-growing joint venture.
About the Role
Reporting to the Technical Services Manager, you will play a vital role in maintaining and improving buildings and external works across RAF Croughton and Barford St Johns. As a Fabric Operative, you will ensure facilities are safe, functional and maintained to a high standard, supporting operational teams and Defence personnel across the site.
This is also a client-facing role where you will represent VIVO on site, so strong communication skills and a professional approach are essential. The role involves carrying out a range of fabric maintenance and repair tasks including:
- Basic carpentry work
- Repairs to doors, floors and ceilings
- Routine maintenance checks on building fabric items
- Minor plumbing checks and repairs on sinks and taps
- Painting touch-ups and general making good
- Complete fence repairs
- Support minor civil works where required
You will liaise with other trades to ensure work is completed efficiently and contribute to the clear communication of company objectives and procedures. The role also requires keeping up to date with industry developments and supporting improvements and innovation across the service.
What We Are Looking For
The successful candidate will have a proven background in fabric maintenance or building repairs and a strong understanding of building fabric works. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, along with a solid understanding of health and safety legislation. A full UK driving licence is required for this role. PASMA and IPAF certifications would be advantageous but are not essential. You will need to be able to pass SC Clearance to be eligible for this role.
We offer:
- Company van & fuel card
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- 25 Days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Volunteer leave
- One paid professional subscription
- Life Assurance Policy
At VIVO, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. Therefore, we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working and operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly a Disability Confident Leader. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
Fabric Engineer | RAF Croughton employer: Serco Canada Inc
VIVO Defence Services is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety and compliance are paramount. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to lead initiatives that align with MOD objectives while contributing to carbon reduction efforts. Located across various Defence sites, employees benefit from a collaborative culture and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fabric Engineer | RAF Croughton
✨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 Fabric Engineer | RAF Croughton
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 Serco Canada Inc'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 Serco Canada Inc. 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 Serco Canada Inc
✨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 Serco Canada Inc.