Estates technician
NHS estates technicians maintain and repair systems that our patients and staff rely on.
Working life
As an estates technician, you'll be maintaining and repairing a range of equipment including
- medical gas pipelines
- heating systems
- lifts
- refrigeration systems
- hot and cold water supplies
- washers, steamers and disinfectors
- fire and other alarms
You'll
- diagnose faults
- repair equipment
- do routine, planned maintenance
- install new equipment
Some technicians specialise in one aspect such as electrical or mechanical work, others are multi-skilled.
Louise English
Senior property manager
The best bit is feeling that I contribute in some small way to delivering successful healthcare services to patients in our communities. I really enjoy my job; each day presents a new challenge and there is a lot of variety in the role.
Who will I work with?
You may work alongside other estates services staff such as plumbers and electricians. You will also work with estates managers. You may travel between sites in an NHS vehicle or your own van.
While estates technicians are working inside a building, staff and patients may be there, but technicians do not usually have direct contact with healthcare staff or patients.
Entry requirements
Although there are no set entry requirements, estate technicians have qualifications, usually at level 3 or higher. Employers expect them to be qualified and experienced in at least one technical area such as
- electrical engineering
- mechanical engineering
- plumbing
- heating, ventilation and air conditioning
Although estates technicians often join the NHS fully qualified and experienced, it may be possible to train as a technician. Employers ask for at least three GCSEs (or equivalent) including English maths and science.
Employers may ask for a driving licence.
Skills needed
Estates technicians need to
- be interested in how things work
- stay calm under pressure
- work to deadlines
- work at heights or confined spaces, if necessary
- work alone or in a team
- Skills Required
- problem-solving skills
- practical skills
- good manual (hand) skills
- organisational skills
Training and development
When you start as a trainee estates technician, your training will include
- health and safety
- how to use the tools and equipment
- maintenance and repairs
- technical skills
You will be expected to study for qualifications such as NVQs.
Estates technicians can become members of the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).