Maintenance and Facilities Apprentice

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens - Historic Royal Palaces; Royal Hillsborough; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic estate in Northern Ireland is looking for a Maintenance and Facilities Apprentice. You'll train within a heritage environment, gaining valuable skills in facilities and contractor management. Responsibilities include assisting in maintenance tasks, liaising with contractors, coordinating works, and supporting excellent visitor experiences. The ideal candidate will possess a good attention to detail and be eager to learn, holding five GCSEs including English and maths. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career while contributing to a beautiful heritage site.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible under ApprenticeshipNI eligibility conditions.
• Strong interest in learning about building maintenance/construction.
• Familiarity with general IT is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Maintenance Contracts Manager in maintenance works.
• Coordinate maintenance works activities and liaise with contractors.
• Support management and delivery of maintenance services.

Skills

Microsoft Office suite

Attention to detail

Proactive and time management

Education

Five GCSEs at grade C (or 4) or above, including English, mathematics, and a science/engineering

Tools

Maintenance software system

Job description

We are recruiting for a Maintenance and Facilities Apprentice at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, giving you a fantastic opportunity to grow your Facilities and contractor management skills whilst working at the beautiful Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.Being an apprentice is an exciting challenge, often demanding but hugely rewarding. You will be training within a heritage environment, working alongside and learning from our experienced and dedicated team, developing skills and knowledge.The role is to assist the Maintenance Contracts Manager in arranging maintenance works, including liaising with external contractors and consultants ensuring maintenance tasks are allocated and recorded promptly, and to help organise work schedules to minimise disruption to operations.

Responsibilities

• To communicate effectively with internal stakeholders regarding planned works and progress updates.
• Support the management, administration, and delivery of all aspects of the maintenance service under the guidance of the Maintenance Contracts Manager and Maintenance & Facilities Manager.
• Help ensure the visitor facilities consistently provide an outstanding experience by carrying out regular inspections of visitor facilities to ensure they remain in excellent condition. Identify maintenance requirements through surveys and inspection
• Respond to helpdesk queries and raise work orders using the maintenance software system.
• Coordinate maintenance works activities and liaise with contractors as directed by the Maintenance Contracts Manager.
• Maintain the upkeep of our maintenance software system, including raising purchase orders and processing invoices.
• Assist with planning, organising and monitoring maintenance works to minimise disruption to visitors, staff, and residents, while maintaining high presentation standards before, during and after maintenance works.
• Communicate effectively with staff, contractors and visitors, providing timely updates and clear reporting.
• Collect and file all necessary documentation, including completion sheets, compliance data and certifications.
• Be prepared to support other HRP events, which may occasionally require working outside normal hours.

Skills and Qualifications

• Microsoft Office suite.
• Five GCSEs at grade C (or4) or above, includingEnglish and mathematicsand ascience/Engineering
• Familiarity and general IT .
• Familiarity with generalbuilding maintenance /construction and/orconservation
• Eager to learn and have.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and good time management.

Further Information

ApprenticeshipNI eligibility conditions apply.Applicants please note this position is under the auspices of ApprenticeshipNI provision.

Area: All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 09 Jan 2026

Area: All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 16 Jan 2026