Andy's transition into school caretaking
Andy first discovered TIB Services through an advert in the National Association of Retired Police Officers magazine and thought he’d give it a go. After retiring from the police, he was looking for something part-time that would bring back a sense of structure and purpose. School caretaking turned out to be a natural fit. The skills he developed in the police, from communication and problem solving to security awareness and dealing with people, transferred well into the role. Now, Andy enjoys the balance of his day, the variety of jobs, and being part of a team again. For him, the position has provided more than just work; it has helped him rebuild routine, stay active and feel valued in a role that makes good use of his experience.
For Andy, the role has been about much more than simply carrying out maintenance tasks. While the day-to-day work includes plenty of practical jobs, the biggest benefit has been being part of a team again and having a clear routine to focus on. After leaving the police, that sense of structure was something Andy missed, and working with TIB Services helped to bring it back. The role also gives him the chance to use his problem-solving skills, stay active and support the smooth running of the school each day. It’s a job that keeps him engaged, valued and enjoying the variety that comes with every day being different.
For Andy, "The life balance is quite good, really," the flexibility of the role has been one of its most welcome advantages. Working split shifts means he opens up the school in the morning, supports with welcoming children at the gate, and tackles whatever jobs come his way before heading home and returning for around an hour and a half in the evening to lock up. That gap in the middle of the day gives him the freedom to run errands, spend time at home, or enjoy a moment with his young grandchild without needing to take time off.
One of the things Andy valued most about his experience with TIB Services was the common ground he shared with the team, particularly during his vetting interview with a fellow ex-police officer. That instant understanding helped put him at ease and made it easy to talk openly about his background and experience. From there, Andy found the whole team to be friendly, supportive, and easy to contact whenever he needed help. Having that shared background and sense of understanding made his introduction to TIB Services feel natural and it helped build a strong, positive relationship from the very beginning.
Andy’s advice to anyone considering a caretaker role is to "give it a go".
He said that if you’ve worked in the police, military, or a trade like plumbing or electrical work, the skills you already have can transfer well into the role. Even if you’ve never done caretaking before, he believes it’s worth trying because “you can’t lose out really". He also highlighted the wider benefits: it helped him get back into routine, focus, teamwork, and purpose, and it’s been good for his mental health too.
Read More: Why Former Police Officers Make Excellent School Caretakers
Why Routine & Purpose Is Important For Mental Health
Routine and purpose can play a big part in supporting mental wellbeing. Having structure to the day, a reason to get up in the morning, and a role that makes you feel useful can all help create stability and confidence. For many people, especially after retirement or a major life change, that sense of routine can make a real difference.
That was certainly the case for Andy. After leaving the police, he missed the focus, structure, and team environment that had shaped so much of his working life. Joining TIB gave him that back. The role helped him reconnect with a sense of routine, while also giving him the satisfaction of being part of a team and doing work that feels worthwhile. Andy says the job has been good for his mental health, giving him not just paid work, but a renewed sense of purpose. For him, that combination of structure, responsibility, and connection has made all the difference.