Handyperson

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You can take a short course in DIY skills at college. This can be a good starting point and useful when applying for jobs.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do an intermediate property maintenance apprenticeship or an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in a construction trade like plumbing or carpentry.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Volunteering

You can volunteer to help out with DIY jobs for a housing association or a charity. This can give you the chance to pick up skills and make contacts, which may lead to paid work.

You can look for volunteering opportunities through Do IT .

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to become a handyperson. Employers will expect you to have good DIY skills.

You may also find it useful to have experience or qualifications in joinery, plumbing or electrics.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to work well with your hands
• problem-solving skills
• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work on your own
• thinking and reasoning skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to make decisions about tools and equipment
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

A handyperson carries out minor repairs and small jobs in people's homes and businesses.

In this role you could:

• put up curtain rails, shelves and picture frames
• fit smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and grab rails
• replace fuses, plugs and light bulbs
• fit door and window locks and alarms
• unblock sinks and fix leaking taps and overflow problems
• adjust or re-hang doors
• move or assemble items of furniture
• paint and decorate
• do routine gardening work, clear out guttering or take on minor building repairs

Location : You could work at a client's home, at a school, in an NHS or private hospital or in a hotel.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and you'll travel often.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £28,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 45 hours variable

Working Pattern is as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a team leader or jobs coordinator with a service and repair company. You could also move into related areas of work like caretaking.

With formal qualifications you could become a qualified tradesperson, like a carpenter or plumber.