Highways cleaner
Career outlook for highways cleaner
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£19,240
Currently employed in Scotland
1,300
Average UK salary
£19,240
Currently employed in Scotland
1,300
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would keep towns and cities pleasant and safe by making sure streets and other public areas are clean and free of litter and rubbish.
You’d use cleaning vehicles and machines, like pressure washers and road sweepers, and hand tools such as brushes and shovels.
You would:
- Clean streets, footpaths, green spaces and public areas
- Clear drains and gullies so they don’t flood in bad weather
- Clean paved areas using a use a pressure washer
- Remove litter, graffiti and fly posters
- Remove chewing gum from pavements using a specialist machine
- Clean equipment at the end of each day
You would usually work as part of a team responsible for a particular area of a town or city. You’d need an understanding of health, safety and hygiene regulations.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
74%
Part-time
26%
Self employed
0%
Top skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Persevering
- Reliable
- Time management
- Managing resources
- Concentrating
- Attention to detail
- Cooperating
- Respecting
Skills Explorer
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?
Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.
Use the Skills Explorer toolGetting 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 job but a good general education (SCQF level 4/5) may be required by some employers.
You may be able to get into this job through an Modern Apprenticeship in Cleaning and Environmental Support Services.
Vacancies are advertised by local authorities so entry requirements vary.
You will also need
Many jobs require a driving licence.
Helpful to have
Work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Cleaning and Support Services (SVQ level 2) can be of value when applying or relevant qualifications may be achieved once in a job.