Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
Currently employed in Scotland
Jobs forecast
This information is supplied by LMI For All, where data is currently available for Scotland.
What's it like?
You would make sure that people’s homes, other buildings and vehicles are safe and pleasant places for them to live in, visit and use.
You could work on general cleaning in offices, shops and schools. Or you could do more specialised work such as cleaning upholstery and carpets, or industrial cleaning of the outsides of buildings.
You might also clean public transport like buses and trains.
You might work in a particular area. You could:
- Clear up after fires, floods or building work
- Clean up crime scenes
- Clean premises where food is prepared such as cafes and restaurants
- Do industrial cleaning of new buildings
- Deep-cleaning hospital wards to remove bugs
- Clear out houses and squats
- Clean cars and buses
You’d be responsible for knowing which cleaning chemicals to use for each task, for example using solvents to remove graffiti or oils. You’d need to read the labels on chemicals and cleaning fluids to know how much to use and measure out the amount.
When using these products and procedures you’d need to follow safety procedures. If you do cleaning at heights you’d need to use ladders or mobile access equipment.
You might also do some simple maintenance of the equipment you use and check the stock levels of cleaning materials.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
Part-time
Self employed
People behind the job
Meet real people who’ve done this job – hear their stories and the path they took to get there.
Top skills
Here are some of the skills that people in this job would be most likely to have:
- Working as part of a team
- Following instructions
- Working on your own
- Working with your hands
- Being physically fit
- Working with numbers
- Paying attention to detail
Build your skills
Your skills can help you choose the career that’s right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.
To understand more, have a look at what are my skills?
Keep track of your skills in your account and find the jobs, opportunities and courses that suit you.
Click here to view / add your skillsGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but most employers value a good general education.
Helpful to have
Most training is on the job, for example:
- health and safety training
- training in the safe use of chemicals
It is helpful to have relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Cleaning and Support Services (SVQ level 1/2) or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.
Related industries
