Introduction
Traditionally, caretakers have been responsible for a building -
such as a block of flats, a town hall or a community centre.
There are still many jobs of this type but, increasingly, local
authorities are employing mobile caretakers who provide a service
at a number of different sites.
The emphasis of the work varies. Some caretakers spend the
majority of their time cleaning, whilst in other jobs there is more
emphasis on the 'handyperson' aspects of caretaking - mending
broken windows and carrying out minor repairs to paintwork,
plumbing and electrical fittings. The amount of time spent on
security duties - such as controlling access to a building or
patrolling an estate - will also vary.
Work Environment
Housing caretakers work on council estates (including multi-storey
blocks). Caretakers working in other community services may
be responsible for a facility like a town hall, civic building,
youth and community centre, play centre or leisure centre. Mobile
caretakers travel to a number of different sites. The
majority of work is indoors, but many jobs involve some outdoor
work. Cleaning and repair work involve bending and
kneeling. Some lifting may be required.
Work wear includes overalls, protective footwear and
gloves. Employers may provide uniforms. Full-time hours
are 37 per week. Many part-time posts are offered.
Hours can be unsocial, involving evening and weekend work, but some
posts offer regular hours of Monday to Friday.
Daily Activities
Housing caretakers are responsible for maintenance and security.
Their tasks can include:
- carrying out basic repairs - e.g. unblocking taps, replacing
broken windows, repairing damaged paintwork;
- maintaining security by patrolling the site and/or monitoring
security equipment (such as closed-circuit TV);
- reporting incidents, such as violence or vandalism, to the
police;
- monitoring the use of the premises by tenants, visitors and
outside contractors;
- cleaning communal areas;
- maintaining the grounds and removing litter.
Caretakers responsible for other community services, like town
halls, civic buildings or youth and community centres, are also
responsible for maintenance, security and cleaning. They also
unlock the building before use and lock up afterwards. They
may take bookings. Mobile caretakers provide caretaking
services at a number of different sites. They work from
specially equipped vans. To some extent caretakers can plan
their own work, deciding on their priorities for the day.
They come into contact with a variety of people including users of
the building, other caretakers, council office staff, contractors
working on the site, and the police.
Skills & Interests
Caretakers need to be:
- good at dealing with people;
- well-organised;
- conscientious;
- reliable;
- flexible in how they plan their work.
Practical ability and DIY skills are desirable. A
reasonable level of physical fitness is necessary for bending and
lifting.
Entry Requirements
Entrants are usually mature people with previous work
experience. A driving licence is required for mobile
caretaker posts. Training is provided by employers and
include short courses (typically one day) covering topics such as
health and safety matters, use of cleaning equipment, fire safety
and customer care. NVQ/SVQ in 'Cleaning and Support Services
- Level 2 (Caretaking)' is available.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
A large number of caretakers are employed by local authorities -
according to recent figures, more than 40,000. There may be
opportunities for promotion to supervisory posts, involving
responsibility for a team of caretakers. It is also possible
to transfer into other types of caretaking work, for instance in
schools or hospitals, or into cleaning management. Some
caretakers move into other roles within local authorities - some
housing caretakers, for instance, have transferred into office jobs
within housing departments.
Further Information & Services
Asset Skills www.assetskills.org
The British Institute of Cleaning Science www.bics.org.uk
The Caretakers' Website www.thecaretakers.net
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.