Jump Start -- by Tannis Smith

Are you a detail orientated individual who takes pride in maintaining a clean working environment? If so, then you should consider pursuing a career in the cleaning industry.

There are many job titles related to the cleaning industry that may spark your interest. You may wish to pursue a career as a Carpet Cleaner or as a Chimney Sweep. Maybe you would enjoy being a Custodian, a Building Superintendent, a Housekeeping Attendant or an Executive Housekeeper. Perhaps you may decide to take on the title of Entrepreneur and pursue your own cleaning business.

Entrepreneur, De Reinhardt, owner of DreamHome Cleaning stated, ". . . I see the benefits of owning a small business as having the flexibility to expand upon, minimize or maintain the size of the company. You aren't just a number in a big corporation. You make the decisions and face the consequences or reap the rewards."

Education and Training

The majority of employment opportunities within the cleaning industry do not require a formal education. On-the-job training will be provided in most circumstances, equipping you with the necessary skills to accomplish your duties and adhere to customer requirements.

However, there are certificates an individual can use to increase their chances of gaining employment in the industry.

As a Custodian, employers may require certification in WHMIS and the completion of the Construction Safety Training System (CSTS) program. NorQuest College offers a Building Service Worker certificate.

As a Building Superintendent, employers may require certification in WHMIS, First Aid and "Safety in the Workplace". NorQuest College offers the Building Service Worker certificate. Bow Valley College offers the Resident Manager certificate.

If you wish to pursue a career in Carpet and Upholstery, The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification offers a certificate program as well.

The Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT) offers a certificate program for a Chimney Sweeper.

Employed as a Room/Housekeeping Attendant you can pursue The Alberta's Training for Excellence Corporation (ATEC) certificate, recognized throughout Canada in the tourism and hospitality industry.

The educational requirements for an Executive Housekeeper are a little more specific. Some individuals who hold this title have been promoted from a cleaning position. However, most employers require some form of education. A second language and a high school diploma are an asset. Individuals with a post-secondary education in health or hotel and restaurant administration will be given preference.

• Athabasca University: Two year certificate in Health and Development Administration or a three year Bachelor of Health Administration degree.
• Red Deer College: Two year Hospitality and Tourism diploma.
• SAIT: Hotel and Restaurant Management diploma or a five-course certificate program in Hospitality Management.
• The University of Calgary: Bachelor of Hotel and Resort Management degree or a co-op Bachelor of Commerce degree program in Tourism and Hospitality Management.
• Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association: home study Executive Housekeeping certificate.

As an entrepreneur, the following resources may be helpful:

• The MKS Learning Centre: Classroom training and one-on-one training.
• Government of Alberta ALIS: You can download an informative workshop booklet titled Self-Employment: Is it for me?
• The Canadian Youth Business Foundation: They offer loans, mentoring and a website service to individuals who are keen on beginning their own business.

Businesses and Associations

The following associations represent the cleaning industry.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees
Service Employees International Union
International Union of Operation Engineers
Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners Association
International Society of Cleaning Technicians
International Sanitary Supply Association
Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc.
International Executive Housekeepers Association
Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration

Job Boards

Check out these websites to pursue employment in the cleaning industry.

Also, look in your local newspapers under the classifieds or come down to the Youth Employment Centre and check out the Job Board.

Other Media

Below are two great websites that provide detailed information on different cleaning professions.

www.alis.gov.ab.ca
www.cthrc.ca