Meet Elliot, 23, from Hull. Find out how he built his confidence through his cleaning job. Part of our world of work series.
Elliot:
I'm Elliot. I'm 23 years old and I'm a cleaner. My day-to-day routine is doing sets of toilets, wiping down tables, cleaning carpets, sweeping down the stairs, mopping, and doing the glass. I use a lot of different equipment, such as vacuums and mop buckets and sweeping brushes.
I have autism and dyspraxia. Dyspraxia affects fine motor skills, like coordination and so, like, doing buttons and shaving. My autism is like shying away from people when speaking to them and it's good for me to have a routine and guidelines of what needs doing in a certain amount of time.
I wanted to work in a payable opportunity, so about three and a half years ago, me and my mum went to the jobcentre, who then referred me to Mencap. Mencap helped me doing some CV preparations and knowing what skills and qualities are required to be part of the working environment and that's when the job opportunity with Sewells came up. I had a trial period and now I've been given a full-time job here.
Elliot's boss:
Elliot's got a lot of skills that he brings to the team. His communication skills are good, his timekeeping is absolutely superb, and ultimately, he is extremely reliable, hard-working.
Elliot:
When I first got my paid job, it was like, wow, is this really happening. Finally knowing that I was getting paid was just such a great feeling. And when I first started it was like, right, it's a new environment, new surroundings. It's like trying to fit in a bit, but having been here now for a year and a half, I can see myself, how much I have grown and I'm now able to speak to others and ask for help. My advice to people would be to never give up. If you look at me, from someone with low confidence to now, being in paid employment is the best feeling ever.
Never give up. Look at someone like me with low confidence - to be in paid employment is the best feeling ever.
At the age of two, Elliot was diagnosed with dyspraxia and autism. He finds life much easier if he has a strict routine and is given clear tasks
He has a learning disability and when he went to a job centre with his mum, he was advised about Mencap, the national charity for people with a learning disability. Through the charity, he did work experience placements and was really happy to be offered a contract as a cleaner at a primary school
He absolutely loves his role, which involves dusting, hoovering and re-arranging the office and school desks. He is reliable, hard-working and has good timekeeping. He feels his work has been life-changing. He enjoys being part of a team and his confidence has soared.
What to expect if you want to be a cleaner
- Cleaner average salary: £19,000 to £25,000 per year
- Cleaner typical working hours: 34 to 42 hours per week
What qualifications do you need to be a cleaner?
You could get into this role via a college course, an apprenticeship or applying directly.
Sources: National Careers Service
This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed
For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).
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