What they do
Commercial cleaners wash, dust, vacuum, polish and tidy the spaces that people work and live in. From offices in our many city skyscrapers to regional hospitals and schools, these cleaners are responsible for ensuring that work spaces are clean and fit for use. They clean lights, windows, walls, floors, ceilings and fixtures. The spaces they clean may include toilets and ablution areas, manufacturing and display areas, staff and computer rooms, and even the exteriors of buildings.
Working conditions
Commercial cleaners work in a range of private, commercial and industrial locations, using commercial cleaning equipment and cleaning agents for a range of jobs. They may be required to work in particularly dirty conditions, and often come into contact with waste products. They often work late at night or early in the morning as the work can be noisy and disruptive.
Tools and technologies
Commercial cleaners use domestic cleaning appliances such as vacuum cleaners and mops, and larger industrial machines such as scrubber-dryers, high-pressure hoses, and even sandblasting equipment. They also use smaller cleaning implements like cleaning rags and dusters. They are often required to use chemical cleaning agents.
How do I become one?
Education and training
It is possible to work as a commercial cleaner without formal qualifications and get training on the job. However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in cleaning, cleaning operations or a related area.
The Certificate II in Cleaning and Certificate III in Cleaning Operations are offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Western Australia. Browse courses through Jobs and Skills WA and search on the My Skills website to find a registered provider near you.
You can also undertake a traineeship in cleaning operations (level 2 or level 3). The traineeships usually take six to 12 months to complete, and the level 2 traineeship is available as a school-based traineeship.
Apprenticeships and traineeships
As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer, enabling you to complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You spend time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider.
You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.
If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.