You Can Change Careers: Transitioning into School Caretaking

National Careers Week (3-8 March 2025) is all about possibilities. This year’s theme, ‘You Can!’, is a perfect reminder that career change and embarking in a new role is always an option—no matter your background or age. If you’ve spent years in a hands-on, problem-solving profession, your skills are highly valued in a school caretaking role.

At TIB Services, we’ve helped people from a range of professional backgrounds transition into fulfilling school caretaker jobs. Read the blog below to find out why so many mature, community-minded people are turning to school caretaking—and the skills that make them successful.

Why Consider School Caretaking?

A school caretaker does much more than keep a building running. They help create a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for staff and students alike. Here’s why many people choose to transition into this role with TIB:

Community impact – Your work directly contributes to a safe and well-maintained school environment, helping students and teachers thrive.
Flexible opportunities – Choose work that fits your lifestyle, with full-time, part-time, temporary, and permanent roles available.
Fair compensation – Reliable pay, mileage for over 10 miles, rolled-up holiday pay, pension contributions (where applicable) and paid lunch breaks on full days.
Free training and checks – Courses in safeguarding, compliance and health & safety, plus an Enhanced DBS check, all at no cost to you.

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What Skills Do You Need for School Caretaking?

Many of our school caretakers come from different professional backgrounds that require practical skills, responsibility, and adaptability. Examples of some of the industries that translate very well into school caretaking include:

Trades (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, general maintenance) – Hands-on, practical skills are essential for keeping school buildings in top condition. Read more on transitioning from a trade here.
Engineering – Problem-solving and technical know-how are invaluable in a school setting. Read more on transitioning from engineering.
Police – Experience in security, discipline, and working with the community makes former police officers a great fit. Read more on transitioning from the police.
Military – Teamwork, reliability, and adaptability are highly sought-after qualities. Read more on transitioning from the military.

Plus many more.

In summary, we look for candidates who have strong:

Technical skills: Candidates must demonstrate competency in maintenance, repairs, and other hands-on tasks essential to keep a school running smoothly.
Community spirit: Schools thrive when caretakers feel invested in their role as part of the broader team.
Adaptability: A good caretaker can respond swiftly to unexpected challenges and adjust to the dynamic environment of a school.
Communication skills: Clear and professional communication with staff, students, and external contractors is crucial.

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Leigh: A Career Change Success Story

Before joining TIB, Leigh spent over 20 years in the print industry, but decided it was time for a career change. That’s when he discovered the rewarding potential of caretaking in local schools. For him, the main benefits include the ability to make a meaningful difference while balancing work and home life.

“It’s a genuine opportunity for somebody to change their career”

Watch Leigh's success story

Age Inclusivity: A Role Where Experience is Highly Valued

At TIB Services, we champion age inclusivity and are proud to be a Rest Less Age Inclusive Employer. Our work with mature job seekers was recently recognised at the Recruiter Awards, where judges praised our support for those transitioning into new careers.

We know that people over 50 bring a wealth of knowledge, reliability, and problem-solving skills to school caretaking. Whether you’re retired, semi-retired, or looking for a new purpose, this could be the perfect opportunity.

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You Can Take The Next Step

Career change isn’t just possible—it’s exciting. If you’re ready to explore a role that offers flexibility, purpose, and community impact, school caretaking could be for you.

Explore career transition advice tailored to your background and hear from others who have made the switch.

Or, if you’re ready to find opportunities near you, sign up with TIB Services for local job alerts.

You can change careers while changing lives—and we’re here to help.