Caretakers are responsible for the care and upkeep of buildings such as schools, community centres and blocks of flats. Their duties vary depending on the job, but can include:

• supervising cleaning staff and checking that refuse is collected
• carrying out small repairs and reporting major problems
• making sure that heating, lighting and alarm systems are on at appropriate times
• making sure that windows are closed and doors locked when the building is not in use, and checking the premises to guard against vandalism or break-ins
• opening up the building in the morning and locking it at the end of the day
• arranging chairs and tables for meetings and clearing away afterwards
• ordering fuel, new equipment and furniture
• taking bookings
• sorting mail.

Increasingly, local authorities employ mobile caretakers, who are responsible for several different sites.

Hours and Environment

You will usually work a 37-hour week, which may include early mornings, evenings and weekends. In some jobs you could work longer hours and have 24-hour on-call duties.  

As a mobile caretaker, you will work from a specially equipped van, and will need a driving licence.

You will usually need to do some bending and lifting, and may have to climb stairs or ladders.

Skills and Interests

As a caretaker you will need:

• to be responsible and reliable
• to be good with your hands and able to do practical tasks
• to be able to work alone
• to be able to write or pass on on messages and explain faults to tradesmen such as electricians, builders and plumbers
• to be able to supervise cleaning staff.

Entry

To become a caretaker your skills and ability to do the job are likely to be more important than qualifications. Practical skills such as woodwork and DIY will be useful. It can also be an advantage if you have relevant work experience, perhaps as a porter, or in maintenance or security work. 

You  will need to have a police check to work in schools.

Training

When you start work you will receive on-the-job training, usually under the supervision of an experienced person.

You may be able to work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Cleaning and Support Services (Caretaking).

You could also study by distance learning for the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Level 3 Certificate in Housing, which includes the following options:

• Caretaking and Concierge Services
• Supported Housing.

You can find details of these on the CIH website - see Further Information below for a link.

Opportunities

Organisations that employ caretakers include:

• local authorities
• industry
• churches
• private clubs
• housing associations and companies.

You could work in a variety of buildings such as:

• schools
• colleges
• office blocks
• factories
• leisure complexes
• blocks of flats
• small housing estates.

In some places, such as large schools and office blocks you might work in a team with several other caretakers. 

In a large building you could have the opportunity to become a supervisor. You could also move into other types of caretaking, or into cleaning management.

Vacancies may be advertised in local newspapers, jobcentres, in local authority job bulletins, which are available in libraries and other public offices and on the recruitment website for local government www.LGjobs.com

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries can range from around £11,000 to around £12,000.
Experienced caretakers may earn up to £18,000.
Salaries will be higher for senior and mobile caretakers . 

A flat or house is included with some jobs at free or subsidised rent.

Further information

Octavia House
Westwood Business Park
Westwood Way
Coventry
CV4 8JP
Tel: 024 7685 1789 2 The Courtyard
48 New North Road
Exeter
Devon
EX4 4EP
Helpline: 08000 567160