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
Caretaker
Alternative titles for this job include Janitor
Caretakers look after buildings like schools, community centres and flats, keeping them secure, clean and well-maintained.
Average salary (a year)
£15,000 Starter
to£22,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
41 to 43 a week
You could work
evenings / weekends on split shifts
How to become a caretaker
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
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:
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.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Maintenance Apprentice
- Wage: Competitive salary Unspecified
- Location: Bournemouth
Apprentice Facilities Operative
- Wage: £259.60 Weekly
- Location: London
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.
Skills assessment
Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.
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.