You could apply to do a Property Maintenance Operative, or Facilities Services Operative, Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You can apply directly for caretaker job vacancies. You'll need good practical skills, and some employers may ask for GCSEs in English and maths.

Experience in building maintenance, cleaning, plumbing, carpentry, electrics or gardening will be useful.

You'll need:

• the ability to use your initiative
• customer service skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• excellent verbal communication skills
• a desire to help people
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

As a caretaker, you could:

• carry out day-to-day maintenance checks and minor repairs
• book outside contractors for major repair work
• make sure heating, lighting and alarm systems are working properly
• open up buildings in the morning and lock them at the end of the day
• keep communal areas clean and gardens neat and tidy
• order fuel, cleaning materials, new equipment and furniture as required
• take bookings if rooms in the building are available for hire
• prepare rooms for meetings or community use
• supervise other cleaning staff

You could work in the community, at a school, at a fitness centre or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be physically active.