Window Cleaner
What is the work like?
As a window cleaner, you would wash windows and other glass surfaces on buildings. You could:
- work at ground level and may use ladders to reach upper floor windows (although for safety reasons many window cleaners now use a water-fed pole), or
- work at heights, cleaning windows on high buildings and tower blocks – you would use power-operated work platforms ('cradles'), which hang on cables from the building, or ropes and abseiling harnesses.
You might also be asked to do other work at heights, such as clearing gutters and cleaning paintwork or UPVC window frames.
You would often be self-employed, and need to find customers, agree a price for each job, collect payments and complete accounts and tax returns.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any particular qualifications to become a window cleaner.
A driving licence is useful, but not essential.
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?
Once you are working as a window cleaner you may be able to complete the following qualifications:
- NVQ Level 1 in Cleaning and Support Services
- NVQ Level 2 in Cleaning and Support Services (Windows).
To work at heights you must be trained (and usually have a certificate) in the use of power-operated access equipment or abseiling techniques. You can complete courses through the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) and the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).
If you supervise other staff you may be able to do City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Cleaning Services Supervision.
Where can I go for more information?
Summerfield HouseHarrogate Road
Reddish
Stockport
SK5 6HQ
Tel: 0161 432 8754
99 West St
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 7EN
Tel: 01252 739150
48 New North Road
Exeter
Devon
EX4 4EP
Helpline: 08000 567160
Bridge End Business Park
Milnthorpe
LA7 7RH
Boarden Close
Moulton Park
Northampton
NN3 6LF
Tel: 01604 678710
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Window cleaners working for a contract cleaning company can earn £13,000 to £16,000 or more a year.
Self-employed window cleaners decide on their own charges, and their earnings will depend on how many customers they have.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
If you are employed by a cleaning contractor, you are likely to work a 40-hour week, with the opportunity for overtime. If you are self-employed, you will be able to choose the hours you work – you might work longer hours in summer to earn enough money to cover the shorter days in winter.
You would usually work outdoors in all weathers.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- willingness to work outdoors in all weathers
- the ability to work at heights
- awareness of safety requirements
- the ability to learn to use power-operated lifting equipment, for high level cleaning.
As a self-employed window cleaner you should also:
- be well organised to plan your own work schedule, and self-disciplined to keep to it
- be able to do paperwork and keep accounts, or find someone to do this for you
- be able to cost jobs, negotiate prices and persuade customers to pay on time.
What opportunities are there?
Many window cleaners are self-employed, and start-up costs are fairly low. You could work alone, or employ other staff.
You could also find work with contract cleaners or specialist window cleaning firms. With experience, you may be able to progress to become a supervisor or manager.
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