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! Of course, experience and track record are important, but we're more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That's someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise, we're dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.

As part of Places for People Group, Derwent FM are experts in providing facilities management solutions for university campus buildings and student accommodation. Our service is focused on our partnership approach with our clients and the student experience.

More about the role

We are looking to hire an Apprentice Plumber and Gas Engineer. This role is based on site 5 days a week at The University of Essex. 

Reporting to the General Manager, you will undertake the required training to become a qualified tradesperson in plumbing and gas through a combination of onsite learning and assessments.

On a daily basis, you will assist in the service and testing of gas appliances, carrying out defect diagnosis and address any plumbing defects. In addition, you will be required to attend all required learning and pass the relevant modules in order to demonstrate skills and competence. 

At Places for People, we are committed to a safe working environment so a basic DBS check is mandatory.

Please note this role has a start date of 2nd June 2025.

More about you

The ideal candidate will:

• Have excellent communication skills,
• Be able to work as part of a multi functional team,
• Have problem solving skills.

The benefits 

We are an ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for. We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:     

• Competitive salary
• Excellent holiday package
• Private Pension
• Bonus Scheme
• Training and development   
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more.  

For more Information, please download the attached Job Profile.

What's next?

If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then apply following our simple 5 minute application process, upload a CV and a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions please email the recruitment team recruitment@placesforpeople.co.uk 

If you are a Places for People customer and you're looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on skillsemployment@placesforpeople.co.uk.

Please note that we may bring the closing date forward, if we receive a large number of quality applications. If you are interested in this role we would advise applying immediately to avoid disappointment.

If you are using a mobile device such as an iPad then ensure your CV is stored in the cloud, we currently support Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox.

If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls 

At Places for People, 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. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment. 

By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities.