Multi-skilled Craftsperson, ORWELL HOUSING ASSOCIATION

Guardian Jobs; Beccles; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Orwell Housing Association is seeking a Multiskilled Repairs Operative to deliver high‑quality day‑to‑day responsive repairs and void property works across Norfolk. You will use your core trade (carpentry or plumbing) while developing additional skills to become fully multiskilled, working mainly across our North team.

We value practical problem‑solving, the ability to work independently, and flexibility to respond to urgent repairs.

Qualifications

• Experience in property maintenance or building repairs.
• Multiskilled or carpenter/plumber keen to develop broader skills.
• Practical, problem‑solving approach with quality workmanship.
• Able to work independently and manage workload.
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Carry out a wide range of property repairs across multiple trades, aiming for first‑time fixes.
• Apply core trade (carpentry or plumbing) while developing additional skills.
• Work independently to diagnose issues, complete repairs and minimise call‑backs.
• Respond to tenant enquiries professionally with a reassuring first response.
• Liaise with Head Office to update on repair progress and further works.

Skills

Multiskilled trades

Carpentry

Plumbing

Education

Carpentry & Joinery qualification

Certificate in Plumbing

Certificate in Painting & Decorating

HNC in Building Studies

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Multiskilled Repairs Operative (We welcome applicants with one core trade and a willingness to train in others.)

£34,407.65 per year

40 hours per week; Permanent

Monday - Friday; 8am - 4:30pm

This role includes out-of-hour call-outs.

Mobile across Norfolk

Ref: IP373

We're looking for a Multiskilled Repairs Operative to join our in‑house Orwell Repairs Service, delivering high‑quality day‑to‑day responsive repairs and void property works across our North team.

If you're motivated, adaptable and committed to delivering great repairs, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a multiskilled role, and we welcome applications from:

• Experienced multitrade operatives, and Carpenters or Plumbers who are confident in their core trade and keen to learn and develop additional skills to become fully multiskilled.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out a wide range of property repairs across multiple trades, ensuring a high‑quality, first‑time fix wherever possible.
• Use your core trade (carpentry or plumbing) while applying and developing additional skills across general building maintenance.
• Work independently to diagnose issues, complete repairs and minimise call‑backs.
• Respond to tenant enquiries professionally, providing a positive and reassuring first response.
• Liaise with Head Office to update on repair progress, follow‑up needs and any additional works required.
• Support the delivery of a flexible, responsive service by adapting your working day when urgent repairs arise.

About You

• Bring experience in property maintenance or building repairs.
• Be multiskilled, or be a carpenter or plumber who is enthusiastic about developing wider trade skills.
• Have a practical, problem‑solving approach and take pride in delivering quality workmanship.
• Be comfortable working independently and managing your own workload.
• Be flexible and able to respond to changing priorities when needed.

Desirable Qualifications

• Carpentry & Joinery qualification is desirable.
• Certificate in Plumbing is desirable.
• Certificate in Painting & Decorating is desirable.
• HNC (or equivalent) in Building Studies, is desirable.
• A full UK driving licence is required.

Why Join Orwell?

• 22 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays.
• Reward and recognition awards.
• Free DBS checks.
• Ongoing training and development & opportunities to progress in your role through the Orwell Academy.
• Wellbeing programme.
• Great training and development opportunities.
• Cashback Health plan.
• Access to Blue Light Card - membership fees apply.

Interview Date: ASAP

Before applying…

Orwell is committed to safeguarding, safer employment practices and upholding the principles of empowerment.

Please note Orwell Housing Association does not provide visa sponsorship. You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply. You will be required to provide the relevant right to work documentation if successfully appointed to the role.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. All new arrivals to the UK must also provide a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC).

The definition of new arrival is an applicant who has worked or been resident overseas in the previous five years and this includes citizens of the UK who have worked or lived overseas for a continuous period of six months or more.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to succeed.

We allow and encourage the recruitment of people with disabilities and are dedicated to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure equal access and opportunity for all.

We hope you would apply, even if you don't meet all listed qualifications. Your experience, perspectives, skills and alignment with our culture and values could be exactly what we're looking for.