Maintenance Jobs: Do you have what it takes to be a Handyman?

If you have a love for maintenance jobs, why not consider finding employment as a Handyman? Known by many names, including a Handyperson, Handyman jobs are physical in nature and entail a range of duties and skills. Today the Job Mail team wanted to take a closer look at what exactly this job entails, what you will need to be successful as well as some of the opportunities listed on Job Mail.

What exactly do Handyman Jobs entail?

A Handyman is, very simply put, exactly what the name says – handy, a true Jack of all trades. Taking on all sorts of tasks – from maintaining to doing small repairs on physical structures – this type of professional cleans, repairs and paints, to name but a few examples.

Note that this profession does not only pertain to physical buildings, but the grounds that surround them and different types of facilities as well. Handymen with different experience and specialities will perform tasks in different types of environments.

Having a large variety of skills, these types of professionals can also often times be found doing minor repairs on electrical and mechanical equipment, air conditioning systems, plumbing systems and machinery.

Responsible for dealing with the smaller issues, Handyman jobs also require you to be quite skilled in recognising bigger problems, knowing the type of specialist required to fix the problem at hand.

As a professional in this field, you will also be required to keep a close eye on all the repairs made, when the last repairs were made, the service logs of machinery (like when filters were replaced) and when machinery, equipment and structures are due for a check-up.

Finding employment in both the private as well as government sectors, industries of work range to include everything from schools and hospitals, to apartment buildings and complexes, office buildings and even shopping malls.

Maintenance jobs in a smaller institution or company will generally mean that you will be working with all sorts of small maintenance tasks, while a larger company or institution usually have specialised professionals.

A rundown of some of your building maintenance and other duties

Depending on the company or institution you are working for, maintenance professionals are responsible for repairing everything from broken windows and furniture, to shelves and fences.

You will be responsible for maintenance issue that range to include everything from painting and repainting, to dealing with minor plumbing issues and repairing or replacing washers and taps for example.

In terms of ground maintenance, mowing the lawn, keeping the property tidy and doing a little bit of gardening will also be on your list of tasks to do.

Doing routine maintenance in just about any circumstance imaginable, you will be faced with new problems on almost a daily basis, along with your normal daily tasks, record keeping and a maintenance check regime.

The Characteristics of an epic Handyman

Requiring a true hardworking individual, a Handyman is many times an unsung hero required to work in a number of environments and circumstances. Willing to quite literally get their hands dirty, a Handyperson will also often times be found working in an unpleasant environment, taking on the jobs most of us would rather ignore.

Working with a large variety of hand tools (both manual and electric) you will also need to keep health and safety regulations in mind, keeping to the high standards this type of job demands.

You will be required to be physically fit and strong, mechanically minded and always looking for solutions to problems. If you are practical and helpful in nature, and always willing to lend a helping hand, this just might be the perfect career choice for you.

Becoming a Handyman in South Africa

Pursuing maintenance jobs within this industry does not require you to have any formal education. Do note however that an employer might have certain requirements when choosing the best candidate for the job.

A great option for starting a career as a Handyperson is workplace learning. Here you can gain the needed knowledge and skills to perform basic maintenance tasks. Some employers also offer their personnel formal internal training.

You can also move up in this career, filling more senior Handyman jobs. Though this is achieved through years of experience and a great skill flair, formal training at an accredited institution can also help a great deal.

Some of the training options available to you includes:

Handyman Courses is only one of the options available to you if you would like to complete formal training. Adhering to ISO 9001 quality standards, the training offered by this institution conforms to the standards of South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) where applicable. This institution also has a primary accreditation from the Skills Education Training Authority (ESETA) and a secondary accreditation from the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA).

The courses on offer from this institution include a five day Basic Handyperson / General Maintenance course. Here you will learn a variety of skills that include the basics of inspection, woodworking, electrical, plastering and bricklaying skills, to name but a few. Requiring that you have completed Grade 9, this is a theoretical and practical course.

Another option available from Handyman Courses is a 10 day Advanced Handyperson Skills Programme that teaches a large variety of skills and focuses on a total of nine different areas including Tile Laying and Replacement (SAQA US 9926 Level 2), Health and Safety in the Workplace (SAQ US 9964 Level 3) and the Maintenance and Repair of Plumbing Systems (SAQA US 11795 Level 3).

This institution also offers a 10 day Hospitality Group Advanced Handyman Skills Programme.

Another option available in terms of formal education includes Protech Training. Offering a range of Short Skill Programmes in their Building and Civil Programmes group of courses, Protech Training is an accredited training provider with accreditation from the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA).

Some of the courses on offer from Protech Training include an Advanced Hospitality course for Handymen, a Basic course for Handypersons and a Basic Electricity / House Wiring course.

When it comes to choosing the right training institutions, always remember to check if it offers exactly the course you want to complete as well as the relevant accreditations from the various training authorities in South Africa.

Opportunities for Handymen on Job Mail

Already qualified for these types of maintenance jobs? Why not browse through the awesome opportunities and vacancies advertised on Job Mail? Here are a few Handyman jobs to get you started:

General Handyperson in Soweto

Requiring candidates to have a general knowledge of plumbing, electrical and building, this position is in the field of factory maintenance and also requires candidates to have a driver’s license.

Driver / General Worker in Pinetown

A three-day-a-week position, this vacancy includes delivery and collection tasks. You will also be required to perform odd Handyperson duties.

Handyperson required in Roodepoort

In the field of general maintenance, Smith’s Renovations and Maintenance is looking for a Handyperson to join their team. Candidates are required to have skills within the field of general maintenance.

Handyman in Johannesburg needed

Transman PTY (LTD) is looking for a handyperson that has two years’ experience and has electrical, welding, plumbing and carpentry skills. You will also need to hold a certificate and an N3 in Engineering Studies.

Ready to start new and exciting Handyman jobs? Apply for maintenance jobs that will challenge and fuel your passion by registering your CV on www.JobMail.co.za.