Car valets

Car valets clean and polish the outside and inside of cars. Sometimes the valet collects the car from the customer and returns it at the end of day. Some offer a mobile valet service, taking a specially equipped van out to the customer’s car.

Work activities

Car valets clean the inside and outside of cars and other vehicles. They use cloths for hand cleaning and polishing; they also use some electrical equipment, such as:

• Steam cleaners to clean the engine, wheel arches and chassis.
• Vacuum cleaners and shampooers to clean inside the car.
• Powered water sprays for cleaning the outside of the car.

Car valets hand polish and wax the paintwork, chrome and plastic or leather trims. It takes a few hours to do a full clean on a car. Car valet firms offer customers full or part valet services. For each vehicle, the car valet has instructions on the service asked for and carries out a standard range of cleaning tasks. Sometimes, the valet collects the car from the customer and returns it at the end of day. Some firms offer a mobile valet service, taking a specially equipped van out to customers’ premises. Travel throughout the local area is necessary. A car valet who works for a car sales or car rental firm might have to assess the condition of a car before working on it. They decide how much cleaning is needed to bring it up to the company’s standard. As well as cars, valets also work on commercial vehicles, such as delivery vans, and on caravans. They wear overalls, protective gloves and goggles where there is any risk to health and safety.

Personal qualities and skills

As a car valet, you need:

• Stamina and fitness; you’ll be on your feet a lot, bending, reaching into awkward places, waxing and polishing.
• To feel comfortable working outdoors, whatever the weather.
• To be able to use different types of equipment, which can be heavy or awkward to move around.
• To pay attention to detail and follow instructions carefully.
• Good customer service skills.
• An interest in vehicles.

This might not be the job for you if you have a skin allergy, as strong chemicals are often used for cleaning. You usually need a driving licence, especially if you work for a mobile service.

Pay and opportunities  

Pay rates for car valets vary depending on whether they are employed or self-employed. The pay rates given are approximate. Car valets earn in the range of £15,000 a year, rising to £21,000.

Car valets work a basic 43-45-hour week. However, early starts, late finishes and weekend work might be required.

Employers are specialist car valet firms, (servicing business and individual customers), car rental firms and motor dealers. Opportunities for car valets occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Some car valets become self-employed and build their own regular customer base.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

You would normally enter this work by applying for vacancies directly. However, you could do a level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in the role of cleaning hygiene operative.

Training is on-the-job and includes procedures for valeting, use of equipment and materials, and the safe handling of chemical cleaners. As a trainee, you’d work with an experienced valet until you are familiar with the routine. Car valeting is covered as a specialist skill as part of the Cleaning Professional’s Skills Suite (CPSS), accredited by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc). Working towards this qualification will improve your performance in tasks such as stain removal, pressure washing, engine cleaning, interior and exterior cleaning, paint renovation, hot water extraction and upholstery cleaning. Assessment takes place at work. Valeting training is also offered by large suppliers of professional vehicle cleaning products.

Large employers might have opportunities for car valets to become supervisors. Some car valets branch out into other areas, such as finding new customers or expanding the business. Others might choose to become self-employed and set up their own car valet business.

Qualifications

You don’t normally need any qualifications for this career. New entrants come from a wide range of backgrounds. No particular experience is required. You may need a driving licence.

If you want to do an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have relevant skills and abilities gained in domestic or industrial cleaning, or other practical work.

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