Cleaner – industrial

Industrial cleaners clean offices, shops, hospitals, schools or factories. They use industrial equipment and chemicals for cleaning. Most of this work takes place during early mornings, late evenings or at weekends.

Also known as:

• Cleaning operative
• Commercial cleaner
• Industrial cleaner
• Office cleaner

Work activities

Industrial cleaners work in places such as factories, shops and shopping centres, offices, hospitals, care homes, schools and so on. They might also be known as cleaning operatives. Cleaners who work in hospitals or care homes are likely to be known as domestic assistants. The tasks they do depend on where they work and the standards set by the employer. But most cleaners do the following:

• Dusting.
• Polishing.
• Removing rubbish.
• Tidying.
• Vacuuming.
• Washing.

They do these tasks in different parts of the buildings they work in. For example, they clean:

• Building exteriors.
• Curtains, blinds and upholstery.
• Display areas.
• Factory machinery.
• Floors.
• Manufacturing areas.
• Staff rooms.
• Stairwells.
• Toilets.
• Walls.
• Windows.

Industrial cleaners use familiar domestic appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, and larger industrial machines such as scrubber dryers, high-pressure hoses, sandblasting equipment and various chemicals. Some industrial cleaners carry out some or most of these tasks, while others clean just one area, such as toilets. Some cleaners work for specialist companies that clean contaminated areas such as old factory buildings. Some of these cleaners use heavy-duty machines. Cleaners might work on their own or as part of a team. They might have to work in dirty and dusty conditions. Uniforms and protective clothing are usually supplied.

Personal qualities and skills

As an industrial cleaner, you need:

• To work well without supervision.
• To enjoy doing practical tasks.
• Knowledge of using different cleaning equipment and products.
• To pay attention to detail.
• To be well organised.
• To enjoy seeing a job through from start to finish.
• To work well in a team (if you work with other cleaners).
• To understand written and spoken instructions.
• Fitness and stamina. You’ll be on your feet a lot and some of the equipment can be heavy.

Pay and opportunities  

Pay rates for industrial cleaners vary widely depending on the industry and the type of cleaning required. Industrial cleaners may earn between £17,000 and £23,000.

Industrial cleaners work 37-43 hours a week. Shift work, early starts, late finishes and weekend work might be required. Part-time work and overtime is often available.

Employers are companies that provide cleaning services for their clients in, for example, offices, shops and factories. Some cleaners work in hospitals, schools or universities, for example. Opportunities for industrial cleaners occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Opportunities exist for cleaners to start their own small business, gaining work as contractors in the industrial/commercial sector.

What’s happening in this work area?

Cleaning is regarded as an essential service, no matter what the economic conditions. The sector is expected to grow steadily over the next few years, providing plenty of opportunity for employment.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on job boards and cleaning companies’ websites, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Cleaners often find work by word-of-mouth and through client recommendations.

Entry routes and training

You normally enter this kind of work directly by applying for vacancies. Alternatively, you could complete a level 2 (intermediate) cleaning hygiene operative apprenticeship.

As a trainee, you can expect to get induction training, with the emphasis on health and safety at work, and handling machinery and chemicals.

Although you don’t need any formal training before working as an industrial cleaner, you might be able to work towards a Certificate or Diploma in Cleaning and Support Services Skills or Cleaning Supervision Skills. The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) and City & Guilds offer a range of relevant Awards, Certificates and Diplomas. Such qualifications may be included in an apprenticeship.

With experience and training, cleaners could progress to supervisory or management positions, if they work in a large enough organisation. Some cleaners set up their own cleaning business or franchise operation.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through 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 industrial environments, for example, as a factory production worker, or in other practical work.

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