A Cleaning Technician keeps buildings clean and safe. They dust, vacuum, wash floors, clean bathrooms, and may restock supplies. In some places they use specialist equipment and follow health and safety rules. Roles can be in offices, schools, hospitals, factories, and hotels. Training is often on the job and can include basic health and safety and cleaning techniques.
Typically between 18 000 and 23 000 pounds per year, depending on experience and location.
Demand is steady with gradual growth as businesses maintain cleanliness and safety standards.
Often part of a shift system including evenings and weekends, with flexible hours available in some roles.
Help to keep a school clean and safe by organising cleaning tasks and making sure classrooms and corridors are tidy.
Support building management by cleaning, small repairs and helping with maintenance tasks in a community centre or office.
Assist staff and patients in a hospital setting, including cleaning duties and delivering supplies to different wards.
Understand the basics of cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and waste disposal.
Talk to school cleaners or caretakers, read basic cleaning guides, and watch short introductory videos to learn how different spaces require different cleaning methods and products.
Learn about personal protective equipment and safe handling of cleaning chemicals.
Explore basic health and safety rules, understand label warnings, and ask a supervisor about proper use of gloves, goggles, and ventilation.
Get comfortable with simple schedules and routines for cleaning tasks.
Create a simple weekly plan that covers classrooms, corridors and toilets. Learn to prioritise tasks and manage time efficiently.
Develop confidence in sweeping, mopping, dusting and bin collection.
Practice using the correct tools for each job and learn how to move efficiently through a building without missing areas.
Understand how to tackle sticky stains and high touch areas to maintain hygiene.
Familiarise yourself with room specific needs such as kitchens or toilets and learn when to use different cleaning products.
Keep a log of tasks done and report any issues found during cleaning.
Use a basic checklist to show what was cleaned and note any maintenance needs or safety concerns for staff to follow up.
Provide cleaning support in different locations such as classrooms, offices or health spaces.
Collaborate with colleagues, follow site rules, and adapt routines to meet the noise and timing needs of the building.
Understand how to use and care for cleaning tools and machines.
Get to know vacuum cleaners, floor machines or degreasers and how to clean and store equipment after use.
Develop punctuality, communication and a helpful attitude.
Be proactive in helping others, follow the supervisor’s guidance and contribute to a safe, clean environment.
Clean homes and keep living spaces tidy, often working for agencies or directly for clients.
Supports daily building operations, including cleaning, maintenance, and general upkeep.
Monitors cleaning staff, plans duties, and ensures high standards in hotels or care settings.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Cleaning Technician. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
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Both roles require strict adherence to safety procedures and standard operating protocols, including cleaning and hygiene practices. They involve routine handling of equipment and materials and maintaining a safe, well-organised work environment; the laboratory technician role has a more formal technical pathway, but shares core competencies in cleanliness, safety and process compliance.
You can get into this job through:
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a scientific subject to work as a laboratory technician.
Subjects include:
You'll usually need:
You could take a college course to help improve your chances of finding a trainee lab assistant position.
You could do a course such as:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You could apply for a Laboratory Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship or a Technician Scientist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
These apprenticeships can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.
You'll usually need:
You can apply for work as a lab technician if you have experience in a:
You can register with a professional body linked to your area of work for career development and training opportunities.
You can find out more about becoming a laboratory technician from the Science Council and Health Careers.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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