Hit TV show turns spotlight on cleaning

A new apprenticeship scheme for cleaning would have helped teams on a recently screened episode of hit show The Apprentice avoid the pitfalls that led to a mauling from Sir Alan Sugar.

The programme, in which young entrepreneurs compete to become an apprentice to Sir Alan Sugar, showed how tough it is to run a successful cleaning business. It comes as a brand new apprenticeship for cleaning has been launched by Asset Skills, the Sector Skills Council for the industry.

“The television programme sends a clear message to anyone who thinks of cleaning as low skilled,” said Richard Beamish, chief executive of Asset Skills. “Running a cleaning firm requires talent and know-how. It’s much more difficult than people think and well trained, highly skilled cleaners are essential.” The new apprenticeship in cleaning and support services offers an NVQ Level 2 qualification, a technical certificate and training in key skills such as maths and English. The entrants on The Apprentice would have benefited from the type of training available in the new scheme including ‘internal cleaning of passenger transport’, ‘communicating effectively with customers’ and ‘working as a team’. Health and safety, waste management, deep cleaning and cleaning high risk areas are among the other subjects covered.

“Cleaners often get a raw deal about doing an easy job but in reality, this is one of the most essential workforces,” said Richard Beamish. “When standards slip we end up with situations such as the fight against hospital superbugs which has taken years and cost millions to rectify. It’s not only public health that is at risk from unskilled cleaners - if people struggle to read instructions on how to mix toxic chemical solutions for instance, the results could be disastrous.”

The training costs of an apprentice aged 16 to 19 years old will be met by the government. For apprentices aged over 19 the employer will be expected to pay a percentage towards the costs but in some cases funding for the entire programme will be met.

Employers are expected to pay their apprentices. For those aged under 19, the weekly wage will be £95.00 from August 2009; above that age, the minimum wage applies.
The framework is available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.