Laundry Worker
What is the work like?
Laundry workers can work in a variety of settings, including laundry departments in hospitals, care homes and hotels, and large service companies.
As a laundry worker, your duties will vary depending on the size of the company you work in. Your key tasks are likely to include:
- checking items for damage or stains
- sorting items according to colour, size, type of fabric
- tagging with bar codes or computer chips for identification
- using water and chemicals to remove stains before processing
- loading items into machines
- finishing by drying, pressing and folding
- occasionally handling the collection, delivery, replacement and transportation of larger items.
You may also process orders, send out invoices and update databases.
In smaller laundry operations, you may handle payments and deal with any customer complaints.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any particular qualifications to work in a laundry, however, you will need reading and writing skills.
Employers will expect you to be reliable and able to work to high standards. It could be useful if you have experience of practical work.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working in a laundry you will usually receive on-the-job training from experienced staff. You may be able to work towards NVQ Level 2 in Laundry Operations or Laundry Service Support.
You could also develop your skills by taking courses such as:
- Guild of Cleaners and Launderers (GCL) Q Star qualification scheme
- SATRA courses on various subjects such as stain removal, and health and safety
- Textile Services Association short courses and seminars (for members only).
Where can I go for more information?
58 Station Road
North Harrow
Middlesex
HA2 7SA
Rockingham Road
Kettering
Northamptonshire
NN16 9JH
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?
- Starting salaries can be around £11,000.
- With experience, this can rise to £14,500 or more.
Shift allowances and overtime payments may be available.
Figures are only intended as a guideline.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work 35 to 40 hours a week on a seven-day shift pattern.
You would spend most of the working day on your feet. This type of work may not be suitable if you have any allergies, breathing problems or skin complaints, as you will come into contact with chemicals and a steamy atmosphere.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to operate and adjust machinery
- good attention to detail
- a willingness to do repetitive work
- the ability to work methodically and follow instructions
- good team working skills
- accurate counting and measuring skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could find job vacancies in laundry departments of hospitals, hotels and prisons. You could also work with large service companies that rent and launder items such as bed linen for hotels and hospitals and corporate uniforms.
With experience you may be able to progress to supervisor level and then into management.
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