Visa Note
This employer offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. However, applicants must verify their visa/work permit eligibility directly with the employer before applying. The certificate of sponsorship is a key requirement for most UK work visas, but final approval depends on individual circumstances and UK immigration regulations.
Job Overview
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is seeking a skilled Mechanical Fitter/Plumber/Maintenance Engineer to join their busy Estates Department. This multi-skilled role involves complex and non-routine tasks related to mechanical engineering, plumbing, and general maintenance across hospital facilities.
The position requires expertise in working with hot and cold-water systems, heating systems, water hygiene control, and fault finding on various engineering plant and equipment. Candidates will be expected to join an on-call rota after sufficient training, with the requirement to respond to emergency calls within 45 minutes of leaving home.
This is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, primarily based at The Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, though flexibility to work at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital or other Trust buildings may be required.
Company Information
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is a large healthcare provider committed to maintaining high standards across all its facilities. The Estates Department plays a crucial role in ensuring the physical infrastructure supports the delivery of excellent patient care.
Joining this organization means becoming part of a dynamic team that values professional development and offers excellent career prospects. The Trust provides supportive working environments with opportunities for skill enhancement and career progression.
As an employer, the Trust is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, offering a welcoming environment for international professionals who wish to contribute their skills to the UK healthcare system.
Location Details
The position is based at The Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, Shropshire. Telford is a thriving town in the West Midlands region of England, known for its excellent transport links and quality of life.
The hospital is located at Apley Castle, Telford, TF1 6TF. While the primary work location is Telford, flexibility may be required to work at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital or other buildings maintained by the Trust.
Telford offers a range of housing options at various price points, good schools, and numerous leisure facilities. The area benefits from excellent road and rail connections, making it easily accessible from major cities like Birmingham and Manchester.
Salary and Benefits
This position is offered on Agenda for Change pay terms, with a salary ranging from £31,049 to £37,796 per annum, pro rata. The salary is competitive and reflects the importance of this role within the hospital infrastructure.
Benefits include access to the NHS Pension Scheme, which is one of the most generous in the UK, providing excellent retirement benefits. Additionally, employees receive paid annual leave, bank holidays, and access to various staff discounts and wellbeing programs.
The Trust offers continuous professional development opportunities, support for further qualifications, and a structured career progression pathway. International employees will receive onboarding support to help settle into both the role and the local community.
Working Schedule
The position requires full-time work, totaling 37.5 hours per week. The standard working hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, though some flexibility may be required depending on departmental needs.
A key aspect of this role is participation in an on-call rota. After completing necessary training, successful candidates will be required to be available for emergency calls and must be able to respond to the hospital base within 45 minutes of being contacted.
The on-call commitment provides additional remuneration and is an essential component of ensuring the hospital’s mechanical systems remain operational at all times, particularly during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Employment Type
This is a permanent position, offering job security and stability. Permanent roles within the NHS come with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for long-term career development.
For international candidates, a permanent position provides the security needed for visa applications and settling in the UK. The certificate of sponsorship offered with this position supports the skilled worker visa route, which typically allows for long-term stay and potential pathways to settlement.
The Trust is committed to supporting international employees throughout their employment journey, from onboarding through to potential career advancement within the organization.
Language Requirements
Proficiency in English is essential for this role, as it involves technical documentation, communication with colleagues across departments, and potentially liaising with external contractors.
Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate adequate language skills, which will be assessed during the interview process. The Trust may require evidence of English language proficiency through recognized qualifications if not already provided.
For international candidates, the ability to communicate effectively in English is not only a job requirement but also crucial for daily living in the UK. The Trust provides access to language support resources for employees who may need additional assistance.
Education Requirements
The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical work within the building industry or maintenance sector. This practical experience is valued as much as formal qualifications in this technical role.
While specific academic qualifications are less emphasized than practical skills, candidates with relevant technical qualifications, particularly those recognized in the UK, will have an advantage. The Trust values ongoing learning and professional development.
For international candidates, the employer will assess equivalency of overseas qualifications and experience. The certificate of sponsorship process will require verification of all claimed qualifications and credentials.
Experience Requirements
Essential experience includes a background in mechanical work within the building industry or maintenance sector. Candidates should demonstrate a clear understanding of health and safety procedures both in theory and practical application.
Desirable experience includes significant experience following completion of an apprenticeship, familiarity with NHS hospital environments, and installation or maintenance experience in industrial, domestic, or commercial settings.
Additional beneficial experience includes PLC knowledge and experience, which would be advantageous in the increasingly automated hospital environment. International candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their practical skills during the assessment process.
Essential Qualifications
NVQ Level 3 or completion of a recognized apprenticeship in a relevant trade is essential. Alternatively, equivalent experience within the trade specialism will be considered.
Candidates must be able to interpret and work from drawings and specifications, demonstrating a practical ability to understand technical documentation. This skill is fundamental to the role’s requirements.
The ability to work without supervision while maintaining quality standards is crucial, as is the willingness to work flexibly and cover maintenance on a variety of plant and equipment. These requirements ensure the department can respond effectively to varying demands.
Desirable Qualifications
Health and Safety qualifications or modules of technical qualifications such as IOSH One Day Working Safely or CSCS Gold card are highly desirable. These credentials demonstrate commitment to professional standards.
City and Guilds qualifications in Inspection & Testing (2391/4/5) would be particularly valuable, as they enhance the candidate’s ability to ensure systems meet regulatory requirements. The Trust invests in employees’ professional development and encourages pursuit of such qualifications.
For international candidates, equivalent qualifications from their home countries will be considered, though some bridging studies may be required to meet UK standards. The employer provides guidance on qualification equivalency assessment.
Essential Experience
Demonstrable ability to interpret and fault-find on a diverse range of complex mechanical/electrical systems and installations is essential. This core skill ensures the technician can diagnose and resolve issues efficiently.
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, are vital for liaising with team members, managers, and external contractors. The role requires clear reporting of work undertaken and issues identified.
The ability to work effectively under pressure and demonstrate competence in dealing with difficult or stressful circumstances is essential, particularly when responding to emergency call-outs during the on-duty periods.
Job Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities include performing multi-skilled maintenance tasks, with a focus on mechanical engineering systems. This encompasses installation, repair, and maintenance of hot and cold-water systems, heating systems, and associated controls.
Water hygiene control forms a significant part of the role, requiring knowledge of relevant regulations and best practices to ensure patient and staff safety. This includes routine testing and treatment of water systems.
Fault finding on a wide range of engineering plant and equipment is a daily responsibility, requiring both diagnostic skills and practical expertise to implement effective solutions.
How to Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website. The vacancy reference number is 223-MST-939, and applicants should use this reference when making inquiries about the application process.
International applicants should carefully prepare their documentation, including evidence of qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency. The application should clearly demonstrate how the candidate meets the essential criteria for the role.
Applicants requiring visa sponsorship should indicate this in their application and be prepared to provide additional documentation during the verification process. The recruitment team can guide candidates through specific requirements for international applicants.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Mike Machin, Assistant Estates Operations Manager, at michael.machin@nhs.net or by phone at 01952641222. International applicants should allow for time zone differences when contacting the employer.
The recruitment team welcomes inquiries from international candidates but may take longer to respond due to the additional verification requirements for overseas qualifications and credentials.
Applicants are encouraged to ask specific questions about the certificate of sponsorship process, visa requirements, and relocation support during the initial contact phase to ensure all aspects are clear before submitting an application.
Employer Website
More information about The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust can be found on their official website at http://www.sath.nhs.uk/. The website provides details about the organization, its facilities, and current employment opportunities.
The employer’s website contains specific information for international applicants, including details about the certificate of sponsorship process and what to expect when relocating to the UK for employment.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore the website thoroughly to understand the organization’s values, strategic objectives, and workplace culture, which will help them prepare a compelling application that demonstrates alignment with the employer’s mission.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 30 January 2026. Early submission is recommended, particularly for international applicants who may require additional time for document preparation and verification.
The recruitment process typically includes application screening, technical assessment, interview, and reference checks. International candidates should allow sufficient time between application and potential start date for visa processing and relocation arrangements.
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email or phone call. The employer aims to complete the recruitment process within 8-10 weeks from the application deadline, though this timeline may be extended for international candidates requiring additional verification.
Additional Information
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to verify the absence of relevant criminal convictions.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present criminal record certificates from each country where they have resided continuously for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants are also subject to this requirement.
The employer is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The Trust has various staff networks supporting different groups, including international employee support networks.
Privacy Notice
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust’s privacy notice, which outlines how applicant data is processed and protected, can be accessed at https://www.jobs.sath.nhs.uk/trac-privacy-notice. This document is particularly important for international applicants whose data may be transferred across borders.
The employer complies with all relevant data protection legislation, including GDPR, ensuring that applicant information is handled securely and used only for recruitment purposes. International candidates can request additional information about data handling practices specific to their situation.
Successful candidates will receive comprehensive onboarding support, including assistance with relocation logistics where applicable. The Trust values diversity and aims to create an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive professionally and personally.