CAREERS

Dry cleaning workers use chemicals and steam to clean clothes that are too delicate to wash in water. These may include garments such as leather trousers, bridal wear, beaded or embroidered dresses or work-wear.

 

  

The work involves using different solvents, such as percholorethylene, or ‘perc.’ These chemicals are potentially dangerous and require specialist safety precautions such as protective clothing. More environmentally friendly cleaning agents are starting to be used, which are less harmful to the workers and the environment.

 

A dry cleaning worker is likely to be involved in checking the garments for individual stains and discussing these with the customer to work out the best method of cleaning. They will then begin the process of ‘spotting’ where individual stains are removed, followed by cleaning the entire garment in the dry cleaning machine. The items are then pressed and tagged ready for collection. 

 

A dry cleaning manager would have additional duties surrounding the organisation of the business, the business accounts, customer complaints and staff rotas, recruitment and training.

 

The starting salary of a dry cleaning worker may be around £11,600 a year. This may increase to around £13,000 a year with experience. An experienced worker or manager could earn between £15,000 and £30,000 a year.

 

 

Dry cleaning workers usually work between 36 and 40 hours a week, which may involve weekend work. Part time hours are also commonly available.

 

Dry cleaning work often takes place in a small high-street shop, which has the equipment on site. These may be warm and crowded. Uniforms may be provided and protective clothing is required for some of the processes. As the work requires the use of solvents and chemicals, it may not be suitable for those with lung and chest complaints. The work can also be quite physically demanding and workers spend much of their time on their feet.

 

 

It would be useful for someone considering a career as a dry cleaning worker to have some of the following skills and interests:

 

·      good communication and team working skills

·      be able to operate the machinery with training and adhere to health and safety regulations

·      be self-motivated and interested in providing a high quality service

 

Laundry managers will also need skills in organisation, business, leadership and the ability to deal with accounts and finance.

 

There are no set academic requirements to become a dry cleaning worker and training is provided on the job. Employers look for people who are reliable and willing to work to high standards.

 

Commercial dry cleaners may not allow people younger than 16 to operate certain types of machinery.

 

Jobs may be advertised in Jobcentre Plus offices, local newspapers, company websites and in trade publications such as Laundry and Cleaning Today.

 

Training is provided on the job, under the supervision of more experienced colleagues. Many organisations offer their workers the chance to work towards the following vocational qualifications:

 

·      NVQ Level 2 in dry cleaning operations

·      NVQ Level 2 in dry cleaning service support

·      NVQ Level 2 and 3 in customer service

 

The Guild of Launders and Dry Cleaners offer a variety of qualifications in practical laundry subjects. For more information, visit the GCL website: www.gcl.org.uk/.  The research company, SATRA also offer a number of short courses related to laundry. For more information, visit the SATRA website: www.satra.co.uk/.

 

Promotion opportunities may be available for workers with the suitable skills and experience. Dry cleaning assistants may be promoted into supervisory or management positions and eventually into the role of branch manager. External qualifications, such as the NVQs listed above, can help a worker gain promotion.

 

It may be possible for experienced workers to become self-employed but competition from established branches is strong.

 

  

Qualification information (external sources)

 

Other

 

“I can’t say I always wanted to be a dry cleaning worker, but when my mum told me about the vacancy for a general assistant at Johnson’s I was keen to earn some money and decided to go for it!”

 

Amy was just 17 when she started working as a general assistant but she was able to progress fast and completed her initial training in only 4 months.

 

“I was able to see a clear progression in my skills almost straight away. I found the job quite physical as I was on my feet all day but I was really enjoying it.”

 

 

Amy had never considered the possibility of becoming a manager but when the opportunity arose she decided to take it and found she really enjoyed the challenge.

 

“After 6 months of working for Johnson’s my manager went on maternity leave. As I had some previous experience as a relief manager I was asked to cover for her. It was a daunting prospect but I found I really enjoyed the work and in the end I didn’t want my manager to return! I enjoyed the role so much that when Johnson’s offered me management training, I decided to give it a try!”

 

Amy completed her management training quickly, working intensively alongside an existing manager for 6 weeks and then acting as a manager under supervision for a further 2 weeks. She has now been branch manager for 5 ½ months and is really enjoying the responsibility.

 

“The working environment is relaxed and friendly and I don’t think anyone really sees me as a scary ‘boss’ figure. We try and make coming to work as fun as possible and I think it is important for everyone who works here to get on well and work as a team. Sometimes I sit back and think of all my responsibilities and I wonder how I got here and why I enjoy it so much, but I do! I have learned to be good at people management and how to balance my time between the practical and administrative tasks. I have to work out our accounts and balance the receipts every week but I find it ok as long as I keep on top of it.”

 

 

Amy works in one of the newly opened ‘Greenearth’ Johnson’s stores, which use environmentally friendly chemicals to clean the clothes. Johnson’s aim to be using these ‘green’ cleaning products in all their 500 stores by 2010.

 

“The ‘Greenearth’ cleaning products are better for the environment, the clothes and also the people who work here. The working environment is a lot more pleasant since we made the switch. I am lucky to be in charge of one of the flagship ‘ green’ stores, which have been a great success.”

 

 

Amy has progressed quickly with her career in dry cleaning and sees the industry as a really exciting area for young people to become involved in.

 

“I think some people perceive the dry cleaning industry to be at the bottom of the pile when it comes to good jobs, but I don’t see it that way at all. It is a job you can really get stuck into and gain good skills and experience. My advice foe anyone considering a career in this area would be to take all the training you are offered and work hard as this will enable you to climb the ladder quickly.”

 

Amy does not know if she will be in the dry cleaning industry in 10 years time, although she is quick to point out that for many it is a life-long career choice. For the moment she is enjoying her management role and the challenges this brings. She feels a great sense of pride and achievement for all she has accomplished in such a short space of time.