Housekeeper
What is the work like?
As a housekeeper you would be responsible for organising the staff in a hotel to make sure that all the rooms are kept clean, tidy and welcoming. In some hotels you may be known as housekeeping manager rather than housekeeper.
Your work would involve:
- drawing up shift rotas and allocating daily cleaning duties for room attendants
- inspecting rooms to make sure that standards have been met
- recording any faults or damage and making arrangements for repairs
- recruiting, training and supervising staff.
You may also manage a budget, buy in supplies and keep records of expenditure.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would usually need a background in the hospitality industry or relevant qualifications. You may be able to work your way up from room attendant, if you show the necessary skills, such as organisation and communication.
Qualifications that you may find helpful include BTEC National Certificate/ Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and NVQs in hospitality, hospitality supervision, or hospitality and catering.
You could also do foundation degrees, BTEC HNC/HND, and degree courses in subjects like hospitality management, hotel and catering management and international or European hospitality management. A qualification at this level may help you progress in your career to a senior management position.
To search for colleges and universities offering HNDs, foundation degrees and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You should check with colleges and universities for their entry requirements.
What further training and development can I do?
When you start work as a housekeeper you would usually receive training on the job.
You may be able to complete the following qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 in Housekeeping, or Hospitality Services
- NVQ Level 3 in Hospitality Supervision.
You could also study for a part-time foundation degree or degree course whilst you are working.
Where can I go for more information?
2nd FloorArmstrong House
38 Market Square
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB8 1LH
Tel: 0870 060 2550
http://www.uksp.co.uk/ (careers information)
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Assistant housekeepers can earn from £11,000 a year.
- With experience, earnings can be between £14,500 and £18,000.
- A senior housekeeper can earn up to £28,000.
There may be a reduction in salary to cover rent and living expenses if accommodation is provided.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would be likely to do shift work, including weekends and public holidays. Part-time work may be possible.
You could work in a variety of hotels and other residential establishments, such as holiday centres, health spas and private clubs.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to encourage and motivate staff
- strong communications skills
- good organisational skills
- attention to detail
- the ability to cope with crises and make decisions
- good numerical ability.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed in hotels, or in other establishments like holiday centres, health spas and private clubs.
In larger hotels, you may be able to progress to a position with more responsibility, such as head housekeeper, executive housekeeper or accommodation manager.
You could also move into a related hotel job, such as front-of-house manager or training manager. Alternatively, you could use your experience to open your own hotel, or to move to another type of work, such as domestic services management in a hospital, or facilities management in a university.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading:
caterer.com
catersearch.com
hcareers.co.uk
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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