Houses &
Buildings
Related Jobs
or Working with these Jobs
 
Handypersons carry out repairs and
maintenance of their clients' homes or workplaces such as residential
buildings, schools, offices, holiday camps, or caravan parks and associated
grounds. They
undertake a range of maintenance duties, such as clearing gutters, repairing
broken fixtures or fittings, painting and plastering, fitting, maintaining
or repairing irrigation systems, replacing light bulbs, repairing or
replacing ceiling or exhaust fans and filters, cleaning smoke detectors and
erecting shelving units or other built-in furniture. They may also carry out
gardening duties such as weeding, digging, planting and pruning.
Handypersons work all over, however, most are employed in Australia's cities
and larger towns.
ANZSCO description:
8993: Cleans, paints,
repairs and maintains buildings, grounds and facilities.
Specialisations: Hotel Useful, Hotel Yardperson; Maintenance Worker,
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Caretaker
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(separate page on this website): 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.
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Janitor
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(separate page on this website)
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A handyperson needs:
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good communication skills
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self-motivation and persistence
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practical and manual skills
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a methodical approach to their work
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problem solving skills
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physical fitness, strength and stamina.
(Source:
AirTasker)
Duties & Tasks
Handypersons may perform the following tasks:
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clear gutters
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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.
Working Conditions
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.
Handypersons work mostly outdoors, but may also undertake
maintenance duties indoors. They work in and around the homes and workplaces
of their clients. They usually work for themselves, or may be employed by a
larger firm with a number of employees. They usually travel locally to
attend jobs. They undertake a large amount of manual labour and may be
required to stand for significant periods of time, or to undertake heavy
lifting. They usually work long hours, which may involve early mornings and
late afternoons. Because they may work for themselves, their workload
corresponds with the demand for their services.
Tools and technologies
Handypersons use a range of hand tools including screwdrivers, saws,
spanners, paintbrushes, and hammers. They also use gardening equipment, such
as shovels, rakes, lawnmowers and leafblowers. They use power tools
including drills, power saws, chainsaws and sanders. They also use ladders,
wheelbarrows and trolleys. Handypersons may be required to drive a utility
vehicle, truck or van. They may be required to wear safety equipment such as
goggles, gloves or boots, depending on the work they are undertaking.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a handyperson without any formal qualifications.
Experience and skills in a range of building, construction and
maintenance-related trades would be an advantage. A current driver's licence
is usually necessary.
Did You Know?
The UK Government Report (2011) shows
that handypersons schemes are helping elderly people to carry on
living in their own homes.
" The report says handypersons services, can reduce the risk of
injury or even death through preventing further falls, reducing risk
of burglary or fire. These preventative services are cost effective,
for example postponing entry into residential care can save up to
£28,000 per year per person."
(Source:
UK Gov)
Should Australia have just a scheme?
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