What Skills are Required to Become a Caretaker?

In this article, we will discuss what a caretaker is and what training courses we provide at Skills Training Centre for caretakers and building maintenance workers.

What is a caretaker?

Caretakers undertake a range of maintenance roles both within a building and its grounds, they monitor security and sometimes have a team of employees to manage. Caretakers are responsible for buildings such as schools, community centres and flats; ensuring they are kept secure, clean and well-maintained.

When responsible for a premise, it's crucial that caretakers are aware of all relevant Health & Safety regulations, COSHH and how to write and follow risk assessments. Caretakers also need to have DIY maintenance awareness such as woodwork, plumbing, painting and decorating skills.

What caretaker training courses do Skills Training Centre provide?

At Skills Training Centre we offer a range of basic short courses suitable for building maintenance staff and caretakers. The courses we provide are ideal for those required to perform various day-to-day maintenance tasks in schools, care homes, housing associations or similar environments.

 Asbestos Awareness: This course is designed for managers, supervisors and operatives; providing them with the awareness and knowledge of asbestos and what to do if it is located or suspected. By the end of the course, participants will have an understanding of:

• Procedures required to identify Asbestos.

• Where it is likely to/may be found as part of their work.

• Dangers, hazards and risks of exposure.

• The limits of work with Asbestos.

• The relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice and other sources of authoritative guidance.

• Organisational procedures.

• What to do if Asbestos is found or suspected.

• Support and contact details.

• Who can and cannot engage in this type of work.

• Safe working procedures, precautions and controls.

• Health Monitoring requirements.

• Waste disposal requirements for Asbestos and contaminated materials.

 Basic Carpentry: This is an essential course for anyone responsible for routine building maintenance and aims to provide delegates with the skills and knowledge to carry out basic carpentry tasks. At the end of the carpentry course, candidates will have an understanding of:

• Know how to carry out repairs to wood using a variety of tools and techniques.

• Know how to ease and adjust doors.

• Be able to use personal protective equipment including eye and breathing protection.

• Be able to board up.

• Be able to use power tools.

 Basic Decorating: This half-day training course is suitable for candidates who perform routine building maintenance within their job role, teaching them the skills to carry out basic decorating tasks. By the end of the basic decorating course participants will be able to carry out:

• Carry out surface preparation.

• Use a transformer and power tools.

• Carry out simple repairs to painted, tiled and papered surfaces.

Electrical Safety: This course is essential for caretakers who are responsible for carrying out routine electrical jobs, these include plugs and fluorescent lights. By the end of the programme candidates will be able to:

• Safely wire a 3-pin plug.

• Safely use power tools.

• Safely change bulbs and starters.

All of our courses are designed to be relevant and cost-effective and are delivered to a high standard. Our instructors are professional and experienced in their respective fields and take into account the needs of individuals with different skills, abilities and experience.

If you wish to gain further insight into our Caretaker and Building Maintenance training courses and what Skills Training Centre can provide for you, please get in touch.