Council training course in bid to cut costs

Caretakers and building attendants who work in council buildings are being trained in basic plumbing and building maintenance in a bid to reduce the authority’s repair bills. 

A new ‘Plumbing and Handyperson’ training programme enables staff to fix minor problems without unnecessarily calling out external tradesmen.

The course, delivered by Rochdale Training, covers basic plumbing, plastering, and a wide range of building repairs.

Facilities Manager Yvonne Wilson, explained: “We still use external skilled professionals when needed, but this training gives our staff the competence to tackle repairs and minor maintenance jobs quickly on the spot.  This is an opportunity to increase staff skills, ensure a consistent standard across the organisation and reduce costs in this challenging economic climate.”

With so many buildings to maintain the council expects the training to save them thousands of pounds in maintenance call out charges. 

Nick Harrison, Senior Building Attendant at the Municipal Offices said: “We can tackle certain jobs quicker now and save money.”

Carl Vickery, who has also taken the course, added: ''Getting a qualification too is great as it proves I’m good at what I do,”

The council will be offering the training to school caretakers and auxiliaries in the coming months.