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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 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

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

Facilities Services Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £12,346.75 a year Annually
  • Location: Burney Drive, Loughton, Essex

Facilities Services Operative Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,313.60 a year Annually
  • Location: Tempest Road, Maldon, Essex
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Property Maintenance

  • Provider: DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL
  • Start date: 22 January 2025
  • Location: Truro

Building and Property Maintenance Diploma Level 2

  • Provider: WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2025
  • Location: Bury St. Edmunds
Find courses near you

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