Highways Cleaner
What is the work like?
Highways cleaners make sure streets, and other public areas, like subways, are clean and free of litter and rubbish. They help to keep towns and cities pleasant and safe.
As a highways cleaner your work would include:
- using cleaning vehicles and machines, and hand tools such as brushes
- clearing drains and gullies
- using a pressure washer to clean paved areas and cobbled streets
- removing litter, graffiti and fly posters
- using special machines to remove chewing gum from pavements
- cleaning equipment at the end of each day.
You would usually work as part of a team responsible for a particular area of a town or city.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a highways cleaner you must be at least 18, and will need a driving licence if your job will include driving sweeping vehicles.
For the biggest vehicles you will need a large goods vehicle (LGV) licence.
What further training and development can I do?
When you start work as a highways cleaner you will receive on-the-job training in health and safety and the use of cleaning equipment.
You could complete one of the following qualifications:
- NVQ levels 1 and 2 in Cleaning and Support Services (Highways and Land)
- City & Guilds/British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICS) Level 2 Certificate in Cleaning Science
- BICS Cleaning Operators Proficiency Certificate (COPC).
Where can I go for more information?
9 Premier CourtBoarden Close
Moulton Park
Northampton
NN3 6LF
Tel: 01604 678710
48 New North Road
Exeter
Devon
EX4 4EP
Helpline: 08000 567160
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Average salaries for highways cleaners are between £11,000 and £16,000 a year.
You may be paid more if you work in London or other large cities.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, starting at around 7am or earlier, and finishing work during the afternoon. You may work overtime after public events such as football matches or concerts.
You would need to be prepared to work outside in all kinds of weather, and be able to do a lot of walking, bending and lifting.
You would be provided with protective clothing, such as waterproofs, overalls, gloves and high-visibility jackets.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- reliability and good timekeeping
- the ability to work on your own and as part of a team
- the ability to work without supervision
- understanding of health, safety and hygiene regulations.
What opportunities are there?
You would usually be employed as a highways cleaner by local councils, or by companies contracted to provide cleaning services for the council. Look out for vacancies advertised in local newspapers and jobcentres, and on www.LGjobs.com, the recruitment website for local council jobs.
As you gain experience, and perhaps qualifications, you could progress to become a supervisor or manager.
Search
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
