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
