Janitor

Caretakers look after buildings like schools, community centres and flats, keeping them secure, clean and well-maintained.

Salary range: £14,000 to £22,000

How to become a caretaker

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a property maintenance or facilities services operative intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Direct application

You can apply directly for caretaker job vacancies. You’ll need good practical skills, and some employers may ask for GCSEs in English and maths.

Experience in building maintenance, cleaning, plumbing, electrics or gardening will be useful.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• the ability to use your initiative
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and requirements

You’ll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You may need basic computer skills to keep records, and a driving licence for some jobs.

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• supervising cleaning staff
• carrying out day-to-day maintenance and minor repairs
• booking outside contractors for major repair work
• making sure that heating, lighting and alarm systems are working properly
• making sure that doors and windows are locked when the building is not in use
• checking the premises to guard against vandalism or break-ins
• opening up the building in the morning and locking it at the end of the day
• arranging chairs and tables for meetings and clearing away afterwards
• ordering fuel, cleaning materials, new equipment and furniture
• taking bookings if rooms in the building are available for hire
• driving the minibus if required

Working environment

You could work at a client’s business, at a school, in the community or at a fitness centre.

Your working environment may be at height.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a supervisor or move into facility services or cleaning management. You could also work in related areas or roles, for example commercial property maintenance, or as an accommodation warden with a housing association.

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