Cleaner
What is the work like?
As a cleaner, you would be responsible for cleaning the inside of all types of buildings and transport to make sure they are safe, healthy and pleasant to live or work in. You could have other job titles, such as domestic service assistant or cleaning operative.
You could have general cleaning duties or specialise in certain types of cleaning, for example:
- cleaning carpets and upholstery
- stripping and re-sealing hard floor coverings
- cleaning premises where food is prepared
- industrial cleaning of new buildings
- house and squat clearance
- cleaning passenger vehicles
- high level cleaning using either ladders or mobile access equipment
- clearing up after fires, floods or building work
- crime scene cleaning.
You would need to know which cleaning chemical to use for each task, and follow safety procedures, for example when using solvents to remove graffiti or oils.
You may have to do some simple maintenance of the equipment you use, and check the stock levels of cleaning materials.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would need to be able to show employers that you are reliable and able to do the job.
If your job involves contact with hazardous waste such as sharps and syringes, you will need vaccinations against Hepatitis B and C.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
When you start work as a cleaner you will usually receive training on the job. Most companies have training programmes covering:
- health and safety
- how to use cleaning equipment and materials
- how to identify suitable equipment and materials for different tasks.
You will receive specialist training for some types of cleaning, for example crime scene cleaning or dealing with hazardous waste.
You can improve your chances of promotion through experience, and with qualifications such as:
- NVQ Level 1 in Cleaning and Support Services
- NVQ Level 2 in Cleaning and Support Services with optional units in Building Interiors; Carpets and Soft Furnishings; Food Premises; Windows, Glass and Façade Surfaces; and Passenger Transport
- British Institute of Cleaning Sciences (BICS) Cleaning Operators' Proficiency Certificate, Food Premises Cleaning Certificate or Healthcare Professional Cleaning Certificate.
If you supervise other staff you can work towards the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Cleaning Services Supervision.
You can keep a record of all of the training and skills you build up throughout your career with the Pathway Card. This is useful for showing your abilities when you are changing jobs or looking for career progression. See the Pathway Card website for details.
Where can I go for more information?
2 The Courtyard48 New North Road
Exeter
Devon
EX4 4EP
Helpline: 08000 567160
Boarden Close
Moulton Park
Northampton
NN3 6LF
Tel: 01604 678710
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Full-time cleaners can earn between £11,000 and £12,000 a year.
- Earnings are higher for supervisors and specialist cleaners.
Part-time cleaners are usually paid by the hour.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You may have to work when buildings are closed for normal activities, for example, in the evenings, early morning, or at weekends. You could work part-time or on a casual basis, although the number of full-time jobs is increasing. Full-time cleaners work 35 to 40 hours a week. Overtime may be available.
You may work alone or in a team.
Depending on the job, you might clean the same area every day, or go to different sites, especially if you are a specialist cleaner or a supervisor, visiting teams of cleaners working on different contracts.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to read job and safety instructions
- numeracy skills, for measuring out cleaning fluids
- physical fitness, as the work is very active
- trustworthiness and reliability
- self-motivation
- the ability to work alone without supervision or as part of a team
- awareness of the importance of following health and safety procedures and regulations.
What opportunities are there?
If you clean premises such as office blocks and hospitals, you will usually be employed by a cleaning contractor, although some organisations prefer to employ their own staff.
Prospects are good if you want to progress to supervisory and management level. Other options would be to become a specialist in a particular aspect of cleaning, or set up your own cleaning business.
Vacancies are advertised in local newspaper or on the Jobcentre Plus website.
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