General Repairs Assistant

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Oaklands for a General Repairs Assistant . The General Repairs Assistant supports the day‑to‑day maintenance and repair needs of the college estate. The role helps ensure buildings, classrooms, workshops, and communal areas remain safe, functional, and well‑presented. Working closely with the Estates & Facilities team, the postholder will assist with planned maintenance, reactive repairs, basic DIY tasks, and general upkeep across the campus. Your Day to Day Impact Maintenance & Repairs Carry out minor repairs to fixtures and fittings (e.g. door handles, locks, shelving, noticeboards). Assist with basic plumbing (unblocking sinks, fixing leaks, replacing washers, checking toilets). Undertake simple electrical tasks within training and legal limits (e.g. replacing lamps/tubes). Perform basic carpentry (furniture assembly, cupboard repairs, minor woodwork). Support painting, decorating, and general maintenance of learning spaces. Drain and blockage clearance across the college. Assist with improvement works including painting and repairs within capability. Facilities Setup & Logistics Set up and clear rooms for lessons, exams, events, open days, and college functions. Assist with internal logistics including receiving, distributing, and delivering parcels, supplies, and equipment. Assist with setup of internal and external events. Support student-facing events (enrolment, careers fairs, induction days, parent evenings). Support college events, exams, and activities ensuring facilities and equipment are ready. Grounds & External Maintenance Undertake routine landscaping and grounds maintenance (gardens, woodlands, sports surfaces, irrigation, fencing). Maintain sports and amenity surfaces, including marking and presentation standards. Keep external areas clear of weeds, rubbish, leaves, debris, ice, and snow. Maintain pathways and report grounds issues. Inspections, Compliance & Preventative Maintenance Conduct routine inspections of classrooms, corridors, workshops, and communal areas. Complete planned preventative maintenance (PPM) tasks as scheduled. Carry out compliance checks (e.g. emergency lighting, fire equipment). Perform equipment checks, operator maintenance, and report defects. Carry out flush testing and temperature monitoring. Assist with risk assessments and compliance (COSHH, asbestos, legionella, ladders, asset register). Health, Safety & Emergency Response Follow all health & safety procedures including safe manual handling. Report hazards, accidents, and defects in line with policies. Support emergency procedures (evacuations, lockdowns). Ensure corridors, fire exits, and communal areas remain safe and compliant. Storage, Housekeeping & Resources Maintain clean, safe, and organised storage areas, workshops, and tools. Undertake general housekeeping (waste collection, basic cleaning, furniture assembly). Monitor and replenish consumables and spare parts. Teamwork & Contractor Support Work collaboratively with Estates, Facilities, Cleaning, Porterage, Grounds, PPM, and Operations teams. Assist contractors on-site, ensuring compliance with access and safety procedures. Escort contractors as required. Build effective working relationships with staff, students, and stakeholders. Systems, Administration & Work Management Use maintenance systems daily to track and complete tasks. Respond to helpdesk requests in a timely and professional manner. Contribute to project work under the Facilities Manager. Assist in planning and resourcing work projects. Apply problem-solving skills and maintain a proactive approach. General Duties & Development Participate in college-wide activities (duty rotas, weekend working if required). Maintain up-to-date training and personal development. Support the overall operation, development, and maintenance of college buildings and grounds. Is This You? · General experience in aspects of general maintenance and compliance management. · Detailed record keeping. · Experience of working in a manual environment · Good standard of general education, including English and Maths · Experience in a porterage, operations, facilities, or campus support role. · Understanding of manual handling and general workplace safety. · Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks in a busy environment. · Good communication and customer service skills. · Ability to work individually as well as part of a wider team. · Ability to be involved in various general maintenance duties. · Experience working in a school, college, university, or similar educational environment. · Basic building maintenance or DIY skills. · Familiarity with safeguarding principles (training can be provided). · Physically capable of carrying out manual handling tasks. · Approachable, positive, and helpful in supporting both students and staff. · Reliable and proactive, with a strong sense of responsibility. · Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and college events. · Takes pride in maintaining a safe, clean, and functional environment for learning. · May be required to work early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends for urgent repairs or college events. · PPE, uniform, and required training (including safeguarding and H&S) will be provided. Why Oaklands? At Oaklands, your work matters. We invest in both students and staff to ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed and grow. Generous holiday allowance - 30 days plus bank holidays. Local Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions. Ongoing CPD and free access to Adult Community Learning courses. Free onsite permit parking. Onsite gym and wellness treatments at discounted rates. Cycle to Work Scheme and discounted travel through UNO Bus Scheme. Eye care vouchers and employee assistance programme. Mental health and wellbeing support, including peer supporters. Staff development days and annual awards celebrating your achievements. Oaklands College is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and stakeholders to share this commitment. We review applications on a rolling basis and may close this advert early if we receive high interest. Don’t miss your opportunity to join a college that’s shaping futures and transforming lives. Want to know more about Oaklands College? Click here