Cleaning Industry Careers Guide

In many cleaning operative roles, you do not require any formal qualifications to become a cleaning operative. Having a certain level or numeracy and language skills may help you get hired by employers. It’s useful to have GCSEs in grades 9-4 (A*-C) in English, maths and a science subject. Many employers in the cleaning industry will help you gain these qualifications if this is something you are interested in pursuing!

You might already have an academic qualification like a degree, or be thinking of doing one. Amelia did a theatre degree and is now very happy in the cleaning industry, so you can still shine in the world of cleaning if you do the qualifications you feel passionate about!

To progress your role more speedily, or, to gain insight into these fantastic roles, why not take a look at some of the great training offerings that are out there?

Some examples include:

• BICSc Licence to Practice Qualification
• Certificate in Cleaning and Support Services Skills
• Certificate in Cleaning Principles (RQF)

You can find out more with the British Institute of Cleaning Science.

You can also try out these amazing FREE certified courses to build your CV!

Introduction to hand hygiene
Introduction to colour coding
Introduction to PPE
Understanding Chemical Hazard Pictograms

Assistant Technical Specialist Kelsey Hargreaves is a young person who has got far in the world of cleaning, hygiene and facility management. She shares her top reasons for getting into the world of cleaning after university, and her reasons might inspire you too:

1. I wanted to help create safer environments
2. I wanted to help give people opportunities
3. I enjoyed working alongside hard working people
4. I wanted a career in an industry that was trying to solve environmental issues
5. I wanted a career where I could develop
6. I wanted to work in an industry that was diverse and vibrant
7. I wanted a career where I would be listened to

Domestic cleaning used to be called the ‘invisible industry’ but times are changing because it is such a huge market. It is now getting the benefit of more attention, better resources, and more support and development for your career.

Becoming a Chartered Practitioner in Environmental Cleaning involves one of two routes and is great recognition of your achievements in the industry as you grow in experience.

If you’re wondering just how big the UK cleaning industry is – and who can help you get ahead – then check out this megalist of organisations in the sector and how they can help you get ahead.