1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Caretaker

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)

£16,000 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

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a caretaker

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could take a college course like a T level for Facilities Services Operatives, which may allow you to apply for a trainee position with a company or organisation.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

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

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

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
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • a desire to help people
  • 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

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this job, you will:

  • carry out day-to-day maintenance and minor repairs
  • book outside contractors for major repair work
  • make sure heating, lighting and alarm systems are working properly
  • check doors and windows are locked when the building is not in use
  • open up buildings in the morning and lock them at the end of the day
  • order fuel, cleaning materials, new equipment and furniture as required
  • take bookings if rooms in the building are available for hire
  • arrange chairs and tables for meetings and clear them away afterwards
  • supervise other cleaning staff

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be at height.

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 or roles, 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

Property Maintenance Apprentice

  • Wage: £146.25 Weekly
  • Location: Nottingham

Facilities Services Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £128.70 Weekly
  • Location: Hassocks
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Building and Property Maintenance Diploma Level 2

  • Provider: WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Bury St. Edmunds
Find 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

Call 0800 100 900 or use webchat

  • 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday
  • 10am - 5pm Saturday

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.