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Handyperson

Also known as Janitor and Maintenance Worker.

Handypersons repair and maintain their clients' homes or other workplaces, such as residential buildings, schools, offices, holiday camps, or caravan parks and associated grounds.

Handypersons work indoors and outdoors and are required to work in all weather conditions.

They usually work long hours, which may involve early mornings and late afternoons.

They may need to work at heights and lift heavy objects.

TASKS

Handypersons may perform the following tasks:

clear gutters
repair broken fixtures or fittings
apply paint and plaster
fit, maintain or repair irrigation systems
replace light bulbs
repair or replace ceiling or exhaust fans and filters
clean smoke detectors
erect shelving units or other built-in furniture
undertake gardening duties such as weeding, digging, planting and pruning

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical and manual activities
excellent people skills
able to work independently
methodical
honest and reliable
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
a good sense of balance and ability to work at heights

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Caretaker - works at various facilities or property types such as schools, office and apartment buildings, cemeteries, hospitals and caravan parks, and carries out general maintenance duties, patrols buildings and grounds to ensure security and cleans common shared facilities, grounds and gardens.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a handyperson without formal qualifications, but employers usually require Year 10. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Experience in other Related Jobs such as cleaning, horticulture or building and mechanical trades is an advantage.

Additional Information

A current drivers licence is usually required.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Property Services or Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Packages that will expand your career opportunities within these industries.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

A high proportion of handypersons are self-employed, or they may be employed on a permanent, part-time or casual basis by larger firms with numerous employees. Because they usually work for themselves, their workload corresponds with demand for their services. However, there is generally more work for handypersons over the summer months. They usually travel locally to attend jobs.

Opportunities exist for experienced handypersons to take on jobs with greater responsibility in building maintenance and management.