At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and upgrade plumbing systems in a historic school estate.
- Company: Join Downside School's dedicated Works Department.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and a permanent contract.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and working in a unique setting.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a vibrant educational environment while honing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be Gas Safe registered with relevant plumbing certifications.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 44567 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint a fully qualified, Gas Safe registered Commercial Plumber and Heating Engineer to join the Works Department at Downside School. The School has a large estate, with complex plumbing infrastructure and a wide range of boilers and systems. The post holder will be responsible for undertaking routine maintenance and advising on how best to improve and upgrade the infrastructure over time. They will provide an efficient and effective response to reactive works and help ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. The successful candidate may be required to work at height and in confined spaces. In addition, they may be required to respond to occasional emergency callouts, which operate on a rota basis.
Key Responsibilities
- Planned and Reactive Maintenance: Undertake routine servicing, statutory safety inspections, fault diagnosis, and reactive repairs on all gas boilers, plant rooms, and ancillary equipment across the estate.
- System Balancing and Optimisation: Manage water distribution, heating loops, and hot water storage systems.
- Water Hygiene Compliance: Maintain and monitor hot and cold water services to prevent water stagnation, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
- Contractor Liaison: Liaise with and assist in supervising external contractors during major plant overhauls or other work on site.
- Emergency Out-of-Hours: Participate in an on-call emergency response rota to address critical heating or plumbing failures on campus.
Experience & Qualifications (Plumber and Heating Engineer)
- Essential Gas Safe Qualifications (Commercial): Valid COCN1 (or CODNC01), CIGA1, CORT1, ICPN1, and TPCP1/1A.
- Gas Safe Qualifications (Domestic): Valid CCN1 and CENWAT.
- Plumbing/Hot Water: HWSS (G3 Unvented Hot Water Systems certification).
- Desirable Experience of working in historic or listed buildings.
- Experience of working in an educational environment, preferably a boarding school.
- Basic electrical competence for safe isolation and boiler control fault‑finding.
Contractual Details
- Competitive salary between £40,000 and £45,000 dependent on qualifications & experience.
- Working Hours are 39 hours per week, Monday-Thursday 8:00‑16:30, Friday 8:00‑15:30 with a 30‑minute unpaid lunch break.
- Permanent contract, 52 weeks per year with 28 days annual holiday.
Plumber and Heating Engineer in London employer: The Independent Schools Council
Downside School offers a unique opportunity for a qualified Plumber and Heating Engineer to thrive in a supportive and dynamic work environment. With a commitment to employee development, competitive salary packages, and a focus on maintaining a historic estate, the school fosters a culture of teamwork and excellence. Enjoy the benefits of a permanent contract with generous holiday allowances and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the school's infrastructure.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plumber and Heating Engineer in London
✨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!
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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 Plumber and Heating Engineer in London
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 The Independent Schools 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 The Independent Schools 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 The Independent Schools 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 The Independent Schools Council.
