What is the work like?
As a window cleaner, you would wash
windows and other glass surfaces on buildings. You
could:
- work at ground level and may use ladders to
reach upper floor windows (although for safety
reasons many window cleaners now use a water-fed
pole), or
- work at heights, cleaning windows on high
buildings and tower blocks – you would use
power-operated work platforms ('cradles'), which
hang on cables from the building, or ropes and
abseiling harnesses.
You might also be asked to
do other work at heights, such as clearing gutters and
cleaning paintwork or UPVC window frames.
You would often be
self-employed, and need to find customers, agree a price
for each job, collect payments and complete accounts and
tax returns.
What qualifications and
experience will employers look for?
You do not need any
particular qualifications to become a window cleaner.
A driving licence is
useful, but not essential.
You may be able to get
into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range
of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on
the local jobs market and the types of skills employers
need from their workers. For more information on
Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and
development can I do?
Once you are working as a
window cleaner, you may be able to complete the following
qualifications:
- NVQ Level 1 in Cleaning and Support
Services
- NVQ Level 2 in Cleaning and Support Services
(Windows).
To work at heights, you must be trained (and usually
have a certificate) in the use of power-operated access
equipment or abseiling techniques.
You can complete courses through the Industrial Rope Access Trade
Association (IRATA) and the International Powered Access
Federation (IPAF).
If you supervise other staff you may be able
to complete City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in
Cleaning Services Supervision.
Where can I go for more information?
Industrial Rope Access Trade Association
(IRATA)
Association House
99 West St
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 7EN
Tel: 01252 739150
Summerfield House
Harrogate Road
Reddish
Stockport
SK5 6HQ
Tel: 0161 432 8754
http://www.nfmwgc.com
Head Office
Bridge End Business Park
Milnthorpe
LA7 7RH
http://www.ipaf.org
9 Premier Court
Boarden Close
Moulton Park
Northampton
NN3 6LF
Tel: 01604 678710
2 The Courtyard
48 New North Road
Exeter
Devon
EX4 4EP
Helpline: 08000 567160
http://www.assetskills.org
