Do I need to be a qualified tradesperson?

Not always. Many maintenance operative roles want broad practical skills and a willingness to learn, while gas and electrical work needs specific qualifications.

Can I include handyman work I did for friends and family?

Yes, if you have little paid experience. Describe real jobs and the results, and keep it honest about how much you did.

How do I show I work safely?

Mention your safety training, how you use risk assessments and COSHH sheets, and how you make an area safe before you start work.

Maintenance operative CV example

A strong maintenance operative CV shows a broad set of practical skills, from locks and plumbing repairs to decorating and safety checks, plus how you prioritise jobs. It should be clear what you do yourself and what is left to qualified gas and electrical engineers.

Profile

Practical maintenance operative with experience carrying out day-to-day repairs and planned checks across a housing association's flats and communal areas. Comfortable with basic plumbing, carpentry, decorating and locks, and careful about health and safety. Good at prioritising jobs, keeping clear records and dealing politely with residents.

Experience

Maintenance Operative

a housing association

Completed around 15 repair jobs a week, from leaking taps and broken doors to fence and gutter repairs

Prepared empty flats for new tenants, including repairs, painting, lock changes and safety checks

Carried out planned checks such as smoke alarm tests and communal light checks, recording results in the job system

Prioritised emergency call-outs, making the area safe and arranging a qualified engineer when gas or electrical work was needed

Explained repairs clearly to residents and left their homes clean and tidy

Handyman

self-employed

Fitted shelves, doors and kitchen units for local homeowners

Repaired minor plumbing faults and patched and painted walls

Quoted fairly and kept customers updated on timing

Won repeat work through recommendations from happy customers

Example · fictional candidate · Sage design · Use this design

Tips for a maintenance operative CV

Lead with the range of work you can do, such as plumbing, joinery, painting, locks and fencing, since employers like a multi-skilled person
Be clear about your limits and say that gas and electrical work is left to qualified people, which shows safe judgement
Mention any NVQ Level 2 or 3 in a building or maintenance trade, and training in working at height, asbestos awareness or PAT testing where you hold it
Describe how you prioritise emergency and routine jobs and how you record your work
Include a full driving licence and say whether you can be on call for out-of-hours emergencies
Show how you deal politely with tenants or residents, especially when you need to enter their home

Applying with a cover letter? See our maintenance operative cover letter example.