Trainee Maintenance Technician – Northbourne Court

Job Title: Trainee Maintenance Technician, 37 hours per week, includes alternate weekends.

Reports to: Maintenance Supervisor

Job Context: Avante Care and Support operates a number of residential care homes in Kent and South East London. Each home requires a substantial amount of work to maintain the fabric of the building and the grounds, and this post is crucial in providing a high quality service for the elderly residents living in the home. We are currently seeking a dedicated and motivated Maintenance Technician Apprentice to join our team to support Maintenance Supervisor.

Job Location: The post holder will be normally based in Northbourne Court, Sidcup, but will be required on occasion to assist other homes within a reasonable distance to cover absences and/or work that requires additional staffing resources.

Job Summary: As Trainee Maintenance Technician you will assist in maintaining the care home’s facilities, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for residents, staff, and visitors. This role involves learning and performing preventive and corrective maintenance tasks under the guidance of experienced maintenance staff. The apprentice will gain hands-on experience in various maintenance disciplines, including: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and general building repairs.

Main Responsibilities and Duties:

All aspects of grounds maintenance, including grass cutting, care of beds, plants, weeding, edging and maintenance of outbuildings as required.

From time to time, work in other locations/care homes and work with colleague Maintenance Technicians as operational needs dictate.

Internal cyclical redecoration.

Undertake maintenance repairs and remedial works as identified and within the post holder’s competence.

The monitoring of all heating and lighting equipment reporting defects for repair.

Supporting management with the testing of fire alarm, call alarm systems and emergency lighting systems.

Undertaking routine H&S monitoring, inspections and audits in the care home in accordance with policy. To include completion and maintenance of:

TMV record of inspections

PAT testing portable electrical equipment that is brought into the Home between annual inspections

Flushing and descaling shower heads and reducing other other risk areas for Legionella

Wheelchair, ‘zimmer’ frame and walking stick inspections

A record identifying the Hoist slings used in the care home

Maintenance tools inventory

Supporting management with completion of COSHH inventory

Calibration records for service user weighing scales

Supporting management with completion of risk assessments

Supporting management with fire drills and maintenance of records

Maintain calibration records of food probes

To undertake day-to-day plumbing and carpentry repairs that are within the competence of the individual.

Maintaining equipment within the home in a safe manner.

Assist with moving furniture and goods’ deliveries to maintain the smooth running of the home.

All work must be carried out having full regard to health and safety matters at all times. Risk assessments must be carried out for all duties carried out by the post holder prior to any work commencing. The post holder must ensure all work carried out has considered the risks to clients, visitors and staff in the home.

Make recommendations on improving the home and grounds and in methods of carrying out the required duties. Monitor and advise the Home Manager on the performance of outside contractors.

Ensure that all duties are carried out in accordance with Avante Care and Support’s Standing Orders and Polices and Procedures and to maintain necessary confidentiality at all times.

Promote Avante Care and Support’s Equal Opportunities Policy statement, ensuring an awareness of differing ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds.

Comply with the Health and Safety and fire regulations

To carry out any other duties which are reasonable and commensurate with the level of responsibility of this post.

** All relevant Work Instructions will be issued to the post holder.

NOTE:

This job description is provided to assist the post holder to know what his/her duties are. These duties may be amended or added to from time to time following consultation with the post holder, without charge to the level of responsibility appropriate to the post and the salary, in order to provide the best service and assist with the smooth running of the home.

Trainee Maintenance Technician

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Experience/Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of maintenance tools and equipment.
• Strong willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Physical stamina to perform manual labour tasks.
• Flexibility to work on-call or weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience or coursework in maintenance or a related field.
• Basic understanding of electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems.