Job Description

Apprentice Maintenance Assistant

Ness Court, Baker Drive, Burwell CB25 0AB

£18,720.00 per year

37.5 hours per week

More than upkeep – creating change

Imagine kickstarting your career doing work that matters, and getting paid to learn as you go. As an Apprentice Maintenance Assistant with Sanctuary Supported Living, you will make a real difference from day one by helping to keep homes safe, comfortable and running smoothly, while working towards a free, fully funded maintenance qualification.

You’ll be supported by a welcoming Retirement Community team who value your ideas and want to see you grow. The role offers variety and balance, giving you the chance to build practical skills, grow confidence with hands‑on work, and see the impact of what you do every day. As a not‑for‑profit organisation, we reinvest in our people and services, so your development comes first, with real opportunities to progress once you qualify. Here, your potential matters, and we will support you to #BeYourBest and feel genuinely valued.

Your role

• Keep our facilities running smoothly: carry out general repairs and maintenance tasks around the site to keep everything in excellent working order and looking its best
• Problem-solve & escalate when needed: proactively identify any maintenance issues and arrange specialist support (e.g. electricians, plumbers) when you need extra help
• Planned upkeep: complete routine maintenance activities
• Help maintain safe, secure surroundings for our residents, including taking on light gardening duties to keep our grounds pleasant
• Work closely with colleagues and act as the on-site point of contact for contractors (e.g., when external specialists come in for major jobs)
• You’ll be working in a single location as part of our Retirement Community team

(This apprenticeship might also suit you if you’ve been a Caretaker, Handyperson, or general maintenance helper – if you know your way around a toolbox, we’d love to hear from you!)

Your skills

You don’t need years of experience – if you’re practical, eager and willing to learn, we’ll support you all the way. We’re ideally looking for:

• Some maintenance know-how: any experience in building maintenance or as a caretaker/DIY enthusiast is a bonus (even if it’s at home or volunteering)
• Practical skills & safety awareness: you’re comfortable using common tools and light machinery to carry out repairs safely, you take pride in doing jobs well and fixing things the right way
• People skills: good customer service and communication skills – you’re courteous and clear when interacting with residents and colleagues, making sure everyone feels respected and informed
• Ability to work independently to manage your tasks and also collaborate as part of a team – you know when to ask for help and when to take initiative
• Basic computer skills (to log jobs or send emails)
• To join this apprenticeship, you will need a level 2 grade 4 (C) in English and maths, or an equivalent qualification - if you are under 19 and do not yet have a grade 4 (C) or above, you will be supported to complete Functional Skills level 2 as part of the programme

Your rewards

You deserve more than the basics. That’s why, alongside 25 days’ annual leave pro rata (rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays), occupational sick pay linked to length of service, and a contributory pension scheme matched up to 5%, we offer a package to help you thrive:

• Growth and development – fully-funded training and ongoing development opportunities – we’ll help you gain new skills and achieve industry qualifications, opening doors to your future career
• Inclusive culture and flexibility – work in an environment where everyone belongs – with flexible working options, a Youth Panel, and active staff networks (LGBTQ+ Network “PRISM”, Disability, Race Equality, and Parent network) to support you; we celebrate diversity and will make sure you can be your authentic self at work
• Lifestyle perks – save money with exclusive retail discounts, a Cycle to Work scheme, and salary sacrifice options
• Health and wellbeing support – enjoy free access to Aviva Digicare+ (virtual GP appointments) and confidential Employee Assistance Programme support for medical, financial, and legal advice, plus short-term counselling when you need it
• Company-paid life insurance
• Parental leave arrangements, paid volunteering days, and annual leave purchase scheme

Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – visit our website for more information.

Ready to launch your career with us? Apply today and start your journey to becoming a skilled maintenance professional with purpose and passion. Curious about what it’s like to work with us? Discover our values, culture, and real stories from our teams at www.sanctuary-supported-living.co.uk/jobs or follow us on socials.

Before you apply

• Please note that initial contact with shortlisted applicants will be made by a third-party provider, Grey Seal, who will arrange an initial conversation about the role and complete standard apprenticeship eligibility checks.
• We can only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK.
• All roles require safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including criminal records and overseas police checks if needed; for more information, please get in touch.
• Internal candidates should apply via their internal careers account.
• We may close this advert early, so please apply as soon as possible.

Inclusion is one of our core values We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process in line with our Disability Confident employer status.