As a UK-based interview coach with over 25 years of helping candidates land their dream roles, I know first-hand how vital the Maintenance Technician role is within healthcare. At Care UK, a Maintenance Technician plays a crucial role in ensuring safe, comfortable, and fully functional environments for residents, staff, and visitors. From electrical repairs and plumbing to routine inspections and preventative maintenance, your expertise directly contributes to the wellbeing of patients and the smooth operation of care homes.
The average salary for a Maintenance Technician at Care UK typically ranges from £23,000 to £29,000 per year depending on experience, with opportunities for overtime and career progression. This is a role where practical skills, problem-solving, and customer service combine to make a real difference every single day.
If you are preparing for an interview with Care UK, you need to demonstrate not just technical competence, but also a genuine passion for supporting a caring environment. Below, I will guide you through 25 carefully explained interview questions and answers that cover opening questions, competency-based questions, STAR model answers, and common dos and don’ts. I’ll also share my top interview training tips to help you stand out from the competition.
1. Tell me about yourself
This classic opening question is designed to put you at ease. Keep it professional and relevant.
Sample Answer:
“I have over five years of experience as a Maintenance Technician, primarily within healthcare settings. I am skilled in electrical and plumbing repairs, health and safety compliance, and preventative maintenance. I take pride in my ability to solve problems quickly while ensuring minimal disruption to residents and staff. I’m now looking forward to bringing my skills to Care UK, where I can contribute to a safe and supportive environment for residents.”
2. Why do you want to work for Care UK?
This question assesses your motivation. Employers want to see alignment with their values.
Sample Answer:
“I admire Care UK’s commitment to delivering high-quality care. Working in a healthcare environment means my work directly supports residents’ comfort and safety, which is deeply meaningful to me. Care UK’s reputation for professionalism and compassion makes it the ideal organisation for me to grow and contribute.”
3. What do you know about the Maintenance Technician role here?
This tests preparation and understanding.
Sample Answer:
“The role involves carrying out planned and reactive maintenance, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, responding promptly to repair requests, and supporting the daily operations of the care home. I also understand that strong communication and customer service skills are key, as technicians work closely with staff and residents.”
4. What experience do you have with electrical repairs and plumbing?
Show specific skills.
Sample Answer:
“In my previous role, I carried out a range of electrical repairs such as replacing faulty sockets, lighting, and testing safety systems. I also handled plumbing tasks, from fixing leaks and unblocking drains to installing new fixtures. I always follow safety regulations and ensure that work is carried out with minimal disruption.”
5. Can you describe a time you solved a difficult maintenance problem? (STAR Method)
Here you demonstrate problem-solving under pressure.
Sample Answer:
Situation: “At my last job, a major heating system fault occurred during winter.”
Task: “I needed to quickly restore heating for residents.”
Action: “I diagnosed a failed pump, sourced a replacement part, and worked overtime to install it.”
Result: “The heating was restored within 24 hours, preventing discomfort and complaints, and my manager praised my quick action.”
6. How do you prioritise your workload when multiple requests come in at once?
Sample Answer:
“I prioritise based on urgency and safety. For example, if there’s a leak that could cause flooding, that comes first. I also communicate with the team to set expectations and ensure non-urgent jobs are scheduled appropriately. Staying organised allows me to balance urgent issues with planned maintenance.”
7. How do you ensure health and safety compliance?
Sample Answer:
“I keep up-to-date with regulations such as COSHH and fire safety standards. I always complete risk assessments, use PPE, and record all work accurately. My priority is to create a safe environment for residents, staff, and visitors.”
8. Describe a time you worked as part of a team to complete a task.
Sample Answer (STAR):
Situation: “Our care home needed emergency lighting tested across the building.”
Task: “The deadline was tight, and the work had to be completed during operating hours.”
Action: “I collaborated with colleagues, divided responsibilities, and coordinated testing during quieter times.”
Result: “We completed the testing on time, ensured compliance, and avoided disruption to residents.”
9. What would you do if a resident or staff member approached you with a concern outside your area of expertise?
Sample Answer:
“I would listen carefully, reassure them, and if it was outside my expertise, escalate to the appropriate person. I believe communication and professionalism are just as important as technical skills.”
10. How do you handle working under pressure?
Sample Answer:
“I stay calm, prioritise tasks, and focus on safety first. I see pressure as part of the job, and I rely on my organisation and problem-solving skills to deliver results.”
11. What tools and equipment are you most comfortable using?
Sample Answer:
“I’m confident with a wide range of hand and power tools, diagnostic testing equipment, and safety gear. I always check tools are properly maintained to ensure safe and effective use.”
12. How do you keep your skills up-to-date?
Sample Answer:
“I regularly attend training, read industry updates, and learn from colleagues. I’m also interested in Care UK’s training opportunities, as continuous development is important to me.”
13. Tell me about a time you delivered excellent customer service.
Sample Answer:
“While repairing a resident’s heating, I took the time to explain what I was doing and reassured them. They appreciated the clear communication and later sent positive feedback. I believe technical work and customer service go hand in hand.”
14. What motivates you in this role?
Sample Answer:
“Knowing that my work directly improves residents’ comfort and safety motivates me. I enjoy problem-solving, working with my hands, and seeing the immediate results of my efforts.”
15. How do you deal with repetitive tasks?
Sample Answer:
“I maintain focus by reminding myself that routine tasks such as checks and inspections are critical to preventing bigger problems. Consistency and accuracy are key.”
16. Can you describe a time you saved your employer money?
Sample Answer:
“In a previous role, I spotted a recurring issue with water pressure. Instead of repeatedly fixing the symptom, I investigated and replaced a faulty valve, which prevented future callouts and saved the company time and money.”
17. How do you approach preventative maintenance?
Sample Answer:
“I follow schedules strictly, complete thorough checks, and document everything. Preventative maintenance reduces breakdowns, ensures compliance, and saves costs in the long run.”
18. How do you balance speed with quality?
Sample Answer:
“Speed is important, but safety and quality always come first. I work efficiently but never cut corners, as mistakes can cause bigger problems later.”
19. What would you do if you discovered a safety hazard?
Sample Answer:
“I would act immediately to contain the hazard, report it to management, and take steps to fix it if within my expertise. Safety must never be compromised.”
20. How do you manage working independently?
Sample Answer:
“I am self-motivated, organised, and take ownership of my work. At the same time, I know when to escalate issues or seek input from colleagues.”
21. What do you do if you don’t know how to fix something?
Sample Answer:
“I believe honesty is key. I would assess the issue, research possible solutions, and if needed, escalate to a specialist. I never guess when safety is involved.”
22. Can you describe a time you had to meet a tight deadline?
Sample Answer:
“In my previous role, a fire alarm system needed urgent repair before an inspection. I worked late, sourced parts quickly, and ensured the system was fully operational ahead of schedule.”
23. Why should we hire you?
Sample Answer:
“I bring hands-on experience, strong technical knowledge, and a commitment to creating safe environments. I’m reliable, adaptable, and passionate about supporting Care UK’s mission.”
24. Do you have any questions for us?
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I’d love to hear more about training opportunities for technicians and how success is measured in this role.”
25. What are your salary expectations?
Sample Answer:
“I understand the salary range is around £23,000–£29,000. Based on my experience, I would expect something towards the middle of this range, but I’m open to discussion.”
Dos and Don’ts for your Care UK interview
Do research Care UK’s values and services.
Do use the STAR method for competency answers.
Do show enthusiasm for supporting residents and staff.
Don’t focus solely on technical skills—customer service matters.
Don’t badmouth past employers.
Don’t leave questions unanswered—prepare examples in advance.
Final interview coaching encouragement
Interviews can feel daunting, but remember: you’ve already achieved something significant by being shortlisted. Care UK values reliability, safety, and a caring attitude—qualities you can demonstrate by preparing thoroughly and answering confidently.
If you’d like personalised support, I invite you to book a one-to-one session with me for tailored interview coaching, job interview preparation, or even flexible interview coaching online. Together, we can refine your answers, boost your confidence, and help you shine on interview day.
Remember, preparation is the bridge between anxiety and confidence. With practice, structure, and the right mindset, you can walk into your Care UK Maintenance Technician interview knowing you are ready to succeed.
— Jerry Frempong, UK Interview Coach
