Skip to main content
National Careers Service

beta How could we improve this service? Your feedback will help.

  1. Home
  2. Explore careers
  3. Caretaker

Caretaker

Alternative titles for this job include Janitor

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

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Property Maintenance Operative, or Facilities Services Operative, Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

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, carpentry, electrics or gardening will be useful.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use your initiative
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • a desire to help people
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a caretaker, you could:

  • carry out day-to-day maintenance checks and minor repairs
  • book outside contractors for major repair work
  • make sure heating, lighting and alarm systems are working properly
  • open up buildings in the morning and lock them at the end of the day
  • keep communal areas clean and gardens neat and tidy
  • order fuel, cleaning materials, new equipment and furniture as required
  • take bookings if rooms in the building are available for hire
  • prepare rooms for meetings or community use
  • supervise other cleaning staff

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be physically active.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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, for example commercial property maintenance or security, or as an accommodation warden with a housing association.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Bathroom Installer Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,704 to £25,396.80 a year Annually
  • Location: GATEHOUSE WAY, GATEHOUSE INDUSTRIAL AREA, AYLESBURY

(App746) Assistant Maintenance Engineer Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,741 to £22,222.20 a year Annually
  • Location: Leeds Road, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a caretaker?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.