Maintenance Assistant

At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply – you could be just who we're looking for! Experience and track record are important, but we're more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises: doing the right thing, being enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believing in community spirit, respecting others, and enjoying their work.

As the UK's leading social enterprise we are dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving communities for both our customers and employees.

You will be part of Derwent Facilities Management (DFM), helping to create thriving student living communities.

We are looking to hire a Maintenance Assistant on a permanent basis. You will be working on a large site and expected to carry out summer maintenance to a high standard. Working either as part of a team or individually, you will manage your workload effectively.

This role is based on site five days a week at The Quays, Lightship Way, Colchester CO2 8GY
with working hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Post‑probation, you will be on call.

A basic DBS check is mandatory for this position.

Experience in a similar role is desired though not essential. You will possess a positive attitude and provide excellent customer service to those around you, and you will be compliant with health and safety and manage tasks end‑to‑end.

• Experience in a similar role (construction or maintenance)
• Customer service experience
• Excellent communication skills

We are a large, diverse and ambitious business that offers a comprehensive benefits package:

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
• Training and development
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more

If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career, apply through our simple five‑minute application process. Upload a CV and a supporting statement that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions, please email the recruitment team.

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a guaranteed interview to candidates who are disabled, neurodiverse, or have served in the Armed Forces, provided you meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please indicate this in your application.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview experience, let us know. We’re happy to work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to perform at your best.

Places for People guarantees an interview for any candidate who is serving or has formerly served in the Armed Forces, including reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners, provided they meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.

We are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone with a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long‑term negative effect on their ability to perform daily activities.

Neurodiverse individuals bring highly valuable skills. Neurodiverse applicants who meet the criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm, abuse and neglect. We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability.