Handyperson

Handypersons carry out minor repairs and small jobs in people's homes and businesses.

Typical Salary

£14,000 To £23,000

Typical Hours

43 to 45 variable
as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand

How To Become a Handyperson

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering
  • applying directly

College / University

You can take a short course in DIY skills at college. This can be a good starting point and useful when applying for jobs.

Apprenticeship

You could do an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in a construction trade like plumbing or carpentry.

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • Routes into this Career

    Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

    You can apply directly to become a handyperson. Employers will expect you to have good DIY skills.

    You may also find it useful to have experience or qualifications in joinery, plumbing or electrics.

    Other Routes

    Other Routes are not listed for this job.

    Skills And Knowledge

    You'll need:

    • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
    • knowledge of building and construction
    • the ability to work well with your hands
    • problem-solving skills
    • practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
    • customer service skills
    • the ability to work well with others
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

    Day To Day Tasks

    Your day-to-day duties may include:

    • putting up curtain rails, shelves and picture frames
    • fitting smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and grab rails
    • replacing fuses, plugs and light bulbs
    • fitting door and window locks, and alarms
    • unblocking sinks, and fixing leaking taps and overflow problems
    • adjusting or re-hanging doors
    • moving or assembling items of furniture
    • painting and decorating
    • basic gardening services, clearing out guttering or minor building repairs

    Working Environment

    You could work at a client's home.

    Your working environment may be physically demanding and you'll travel often.

    Career Path & Progression

    Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

    Volunteering Opportunities

    You can volunteer to help out with DIY jobs for a housing association or a charity. This can give you the chance to pick up skills and make contacts, which may lead to paid work.

    You can look for volunteering opportunities through Do-it.

    Tips & Information

    Career tips

    Experience of working with older people or people with disabilities in a housing or social care setting can be useful.

    Further information

    You can find out more about careers using construction skills from Go Construct.

    Restrictions & Requirements

    You'll need to:

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