Why School Caretaking is So Important
If you come from a trade background—whether it’s plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or general maintenance—you already know the value of keeping a space running smoothly. In schools, that role is even more important because you’re not just looking after a building—you’re helping to create a safe, supportive environment where children can learn and thrive.
A well-maintained school isn’t just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about making sure heating works in winter, keeping outdoor areas safe, ensuring classrooms are secure, and handling those unexpected issues that could disrupt a school day. The work you do directly impacts students, teachers, and staff, giving them a clean, safe, and functional place to focus on education.
How Trade Skills Transfer to School Caretaker Jobs
School caretakers handle a range of maintenance tasks, from managing repairs to ensuring the building’s systems run smoothly. With a practical background and hands-on experience, former tradespeople are more than equipped to tackle these responsibilities.
From fixing plumbing issues to maintaining electrical systems, trade backgrounds are exactly what schools need. Here’s how specific trades align with school caretaker duties:
Ashley, one of our Vetting & Safeguarding Specialists who interview all candidates, sums it up perfectly:
“Trades and people with those types of skills, plumbers, electricians, have an amazing amount of knowledge and experience that they can put to good use in schools. Schools don't want to have to employ a plumber and pay a plumber's day rate to come in and just change a tap cylinder or a tap washer so those sort of skills that they have and the confidence they have in doing those jobs are so important for schools.”
Why Transition from Trades to School Caretaking?
Site manager and school caretaker jobs are a great fit for former and retired skilled tradespeople, allowing them to stay active and use their skills to make a meaningful difference in their local community.
At TIB Services we’re also able to offer you flexible work as a school caretaker that fits around your lifestyle. You can pick and choose the assignments you work on, allowing you to balance your job with other commitments like caring for family or enjoying your hobbies.
As Ted explains: “Flexible work was a priority in as much as that I do other things. I have grandchildren, I do the school run, I walk the dog. I wouldn’t be able to do that if I was still in full-time employment.”
