Soha Housing is a successful, community‑based housing association providing a range of affordable homes across South Oxfordshire and nearby areas. The in‑house repairs service, Soha Response, are looking to build a new apprenticeship programme with the recruitment of a Plumbing Apprentice based throughout Oxfordshire.
Annual wage: £23,000 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Plumbing and domestic heating technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 5.00pm
40.0 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 07 September 2026
Duration: 3 Years 6 Months
Positions available: 1
As an apprentice, you'll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You'll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
Each apprentice will work alongside experienced operatives to gain hands‑on experience delivering responsive repairs, planned works, and day‑to‑day maintenance within customers’ homes.
Under supervision, they will develop core trade skills, customer‑service confidence, and a strong understanding of safety and compliance requirements relevant to their field.
Plumbing Apprentice:
The Plumbing Apprentice will assist plumbers with repairs, maintenance tasks, bathroom components, pipework, and general reactive works. With guidance, they will build practical plumbing skills and an understanding of water systems, fittings, and compliance standards. This position supports the service’s aim to maintain strong internal trade capacity and reduce reliance on external contractors.
Plumbing Apprentice - Trade Tasks:
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE
Plumbing and domestic heating technician (level 3)
Delivery model:
Qualifications included:
End Point Assessment:
GCSE in:
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Must pass a DBS check.
Driver or be committed to learn to drive.
All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an Assessment day at Soha.
Things to Consider for This Apprenticeship
Working Environments: The role involves working both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, including cold, heat, rain, and muddy or uneven ground.
Physical Demands: Apprentices will frequently lift, carry, and move tools, materials, and equipment, sometimes in confined spaces or awkward positions.
Travel Between Sites: Work is carried out across multiple Soha properties, so apprentices will spend time travelling between locations and must be prepared for a mobile working routine.
Practical, Hands‑On Tasks: Tasks may involve using power tools, working at heights, accessing lofts or under‑sink areas, and assisting with manual repairs.
Customer Homes: Apprentices will be entering residents’ homes, so professionalism, respect, and good communication are essential.
Safety Requirements: PPE must be worn when required, and apprentices must follow health & safety instructions at all times, including safe lifting, isolation procedures, and safe use of tools.
Rural and Quiet Locations: Some work will take place in rural or remote areas, requiring independent travel (often by van with a supervising operative).
Variable Workload: The role can involve urgent repair calls, busy periods, and occasional work in challenging or messy environments (e.g., leaks, blockages, outdoor repairs).
Soha Housing is a successful, community‑based housing association providing a range of affordable homes across South Oxfordshire and nearby areas. As a mutual organisation, residents can become Members and influence how services are shaped. We focus on excellent local housing management, strong communities, and sustainable growth, including major investments in zero‑carbon homes and neighbourhood improvements. Today we manage over 8,000 homes, employ around 220 staff, and continue to expand responsibly with initiatives such as the in‑house repairs service, Soha Response, and a new apprenticeship programme.
https://www.soha.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You'll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SOHA RESPONSE LTD
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000023361.
Closes on Friday 01 May 2026
