Cleaner

Their work is often unacknowledged, but try living without their services for a day or two and you'll soon appreciate how much they contribute to the ambiance of your home or the efficiency of your working environment. Often working after hours, cleaners are busy keeping buildings (homes, factories, office complexes) clean. Generally, cleaners in South Australia are divided into those that work in domestic settings and those that work in the commercial world, cleaning offices, schools, factories, hotels and residential complexes.

A former manager of a local cleaning business, says domestic cleaning involves: cleaning; dusting; polishing furniture and fittings; vacuuming; sweeping; mopping and polishing floors; and 'tidying' a house, ensuring all of the rooms appear neat.

Not quite the career you are looking for? Please try the related course profiles below:

There are no educational requirements needed to enter this occupation, however 10% of cleaners have Certificate III or CIV; 7% have Certificate I or II; 5% have Advanced Diplomas/Diplomas; and 72% have no post school qualification.

TAFE SA offers the following courses to help you find employment in this occupation: Certificate IV in Asset Maintenance (Cleaning Operations) and the Certificate III in Occupational Health & Safety. For further information about these courses please check the TAFE SA website, www.tafe.sa.edu.au.

Still Unsure! Then contact the TAFE SA Information Line on 1800 882 661 to enquire about the availability of related short courses.

Commercial cleaners may clean both the outside and inside of a building. When working outside, aside from removing graffiti, cleaners ensure that any paths surrounding buildings and entrances are clean. Inside an office, for instance, commercial cleaners clean around files and paperwork, taking care not to re-arrange or misplace them. If they were cleaning a factory, they would probably also clean industrial machinery, and therefore would need to be aware of any occupational hazards. An industry director said there is a legal obligation on employers to ensure that their employees can interpret and carry out all operational and safety instructions correctly to ensure their own safety. 'The Occupational Health and Safety requirements placed on employers are rigid, so cleaners need to understand the implications. It's important that cleaners are able to read and understand English,' he says. Important skills to have in this occupation include: physical fitness, good listening skills, punctuality and good time management skills. The ability to work alone and unsupervised is also critical.

Personal And Other Services,  Property and Business Services

To be updated.

Most of the work is inside of the house, but domestic cleaners might also do some light external duties such as sweeping outdoor verandas and wiping down any external furniture.

One industry person says that demand for domestic cleaners is rising. So many households have both or all adult members working full time and as a result, cleaning services are expanding to cover other chores such as cooking and even shopping. Busy people have less and less time to attend to the domestics! Cleaners with a broader range of skills (including good communication skills) are therefore becoming a more valued commodity in today's labour market.

Furnishing styles change, so cleaners need to constantly update their knowledge of cleaning methods. For instance, the run-of-the-mill enamel steel fridges that many of us have in our kitchens, require different treatment to the currently trendy stainless steel fridge. Leather products need special care and if they extend to doing the laundry a sound knowledge of stain removal would be a bonus.

Cleaners must enjoy doing practical work. They need to be methodical, honest and reliable. They may work in different environments and conditions with a physical component involving long periods of standing, some lifting and bending.

Domestic cleaners often use the client's cleaning equipment, whereas commercial cleaners normally supply their own, because specialised gear is required. One cleaner said the mop and bucket method in commercial cleaning is mostly over. They have been replaced by high powered equipment such as industrial vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners and polishers. A positive attitude may help cleaners accept that many people take for granted or fail to appreciate the work that they do. It probably helps them deal with the odd hours too. Commercial cleaners generally start early in the morning, or later in the evening, when nobody is on the premises. The cleaner is responsible for the security of the premises in which they're working and they're expected to do a good job. Because they are often unsupervised, a responsible, honest attitude and good ethical standards are essential. On the lighter side, let's not forget that their odd working hours offer some flexibility, it must be nice being able to go to the beach when other people are at work!

WHAT YOU PROBABLY ALREADY KNOW! This is not a glamorous occupation and industry representatives will not try to delude you. Employers require committed people who take their work seriously and do the job well and on time. Both domestic and commercial cleaning offer good employment opportunities and an excellent career path for people who show initiative.

For further information, contact:

Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (SA)
PO Box 220 Torrensville Plaza SA 5031
Ph: (08) 8352 3511 or 1800 622 900 (FREECALL)
Fax: (08) 8443 7678
Email: lhmusa@lhmu.org.au
Website:www.lhmu.org.au

Property Services Training Australia
PO Box 314 Hall ACT 2618
Ph: (02) 6230 2907
Fax: (02) 6230 2849
Email: heidi.ross@pstrain.com.au
Website:www.pstrain.com.au

Cleaners are mostly employed on a part time basis. Earnings depend on the hours worked, with a full time workload equating to about $25,000 - $30,000 per annum. Supervisors or area managers can expect to earn in the vicinity of $45,000 in addition to paid expenses and the use of a company vehicle. Starting your own business may provide you with much greater earnings. You could even start your own franchise business.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au