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Handyperson

Alternative titles for this job include Handyman, handywoman

A handyperson carries out minor repairs and small jobs in people's homes and businesses.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 45 variable

You could work

as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Handyperson

You can get into this job through:

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

College

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

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

More Information

Apprenticeship

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Volunteering

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.

Direct Application

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.

More 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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • put up curtain rails, shelves and picture frames
  • fit smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and grab rails
  • replace fuses, plugs and light bulbs
  • fit door and window locks and alarms
  • unblock sinks and fix leaking taps and overflow problems
  • adjust or re-hang doors
  • move or assemble items of furniture
  • paint and decorate
  • do routine gardening work, clear out guttering or take on minor building repairs

Working environment

You could work at a client's home, at a school, in an NHS or private hospital or in a hotel.

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a team leader or jobs coordinator with a service and repair company. You could also move into related areas of work like caretaking.

With formal qualifications you could become a qualified tradesperson, like a carpenter or plumber.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Carpentry apprentice

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: St Pauls Square, Birmingham

Carpentry Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: BIGGIN HILL, WESTERHAM
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

DIY Basics

  • Provider: CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 24 September 2025
  • Location: Chichester

DIY College Certificate

  • Provider: CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH
  • Start date: 22 January 2025
  • Location: PLYMOUTH
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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