School Caretaking Jobs for Military Veterans

Leaving the military often means leaving behind a strong sense of community. Many veterans find that team spirit again by working as caretakers, site managers and other related positions in schools. These roles allow ex-military personnel to use their transferable skills they gained while serving in the Armed Forces in a new and meaningful way.

Watch the video and read the blog to learn more about why so many veterans make the move into school caretaking.

Why Consider a Role in School Caretaking?

School caretakers are essential to creating a safe, secure, and well-functioning learning environment. Much like in the military, their role requires discipline, problem-solving, and the ability to respond quickly to challenges. They ensure that buildings and grounds are well-maintained, handle security and emergency situations, and play a key role in health and safety compliance.

For military veterans, school caretaking offers a structured, hands-on role where teamwork, reliability, and a strong sense of duty make a real difference. It’s a chance to continue serving the community by providing a secure and well-run space where staff and students can focus on learning.

At TIB Services we highly value the skills that ex-military personnel bring to school settings, which is why we’re supporting more veterans find work as caretakers and site managers. Our commitment to the Armed Forces community has recently been recognised by the Soldiering On Awards where we won their Business Scale-Up Award.

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How do Military Skills Apply to School Caretaking?

The skills developed in the military are highly transferable to school caretaking. From leadership and team coordination to problem-solving and safety management, experience gained through serving in the forces equips individuals well for ensuring school premises are maintained and secure.

Some of the key skills we look for in caretaking candidates include:

Security & risk management – Veterans are trained to assess risks, enforce safety procedures, and respond quickly to emergencies, making them well-suited to maintaining a safe school environment.
Practical maintenance & problem-solving – Many have hands-on experience with repairs, logistics, and equipment maintenance, which is invaluable for keeping school facilities in top condition.
Situational awareness & vigilance – Their ability to stay alert and proactive helps prevent security issues and ensures smooth daily operations.
Teamwork & leadership – Veterans understand the importance of working as part of a team while also taking initiative when needed. They can coordinate with staff, contractors, and leadership to keep things running efficiently.
Reliability & strong work ethic – A military background fosters punctuality, attention to detail, and a commitment to getting the job done properly—qualities that are highly valued in a school caretaker.

Two TIB Services school caretakers chat while walking across a school playing field

What Are The Key Benefits of School Caretaking for Ex-Military Personnel?

School caretaking offers several advantages that are especially appealing for ex-military personnel.

1) Flexibility

Choose assignments that suit your lifestyle, offering the opportunity to set your own work-life balance.

Tim has a background in the military and shared his experience: “I find it totally flexible working with TIB because I can pick and choose when I want to work and where I want to work.” The flexibility of school caretaker roles makes them an ideal fit for anyone looking to balance work with other commitments. Watch Tim’s success story to hear more.

2) Community involvement

Working in schools lets you directly contribute to your local community and support children’s education.

Andy, another ex-military worker, added, “I wanted something to do after retirement, and working with TIB has been an easy way to get involved and meet new people [...] It’s been a great way to stay involved and contribute to my community.” Hear more from Andy by watching his success story.

3) Training & support

TIB Services provides free training and an Enhanced DBS check ensuring you're fully prepared for the role, while fully supporting you throughout the application process.

Andy added: “I would recommend working with TIB, it's easy to take any stress out of things.”

Want to Know More?

If school caretaking sounds like the right fit for your professional background, skills and motivations, find out more about this rewarding, flexible role.

If you're reliable, proactive and passionate about supporting your local community, we'd love to hear from you.