Western Australia Minister for Training and Workforce Development Peter Collier

Traineeship Change Provides a Boost to Cleaning Industry

Victor P Taffa

A reduction in the minimum part-time traineeship hours for commercial cleaners is set to provide greater opportunities for a host of new workers.

Announcing the change at the Fifth WA Cleaning Industry Excellence Awards, Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier said minimum hours for those undertaking the Certificate III Asset Maintenance (Cleaning Operations) Traineeship would be reduced from 20 hours a week to 15 hours.

Mr. Collier said the change would allow a greater number of people to become eligible to undertake a traineeship.

“Many people in the cleaning industry work under part-time arrangements, so lowering the part-time traineeship hours is expected to enable many more of these workers to gain a valuable qualification.” the Minister said.

“This positive development will also contribute to improving the already high standards and productivity in the industry at large.”

Changes were made following a request by the Financial Administration and Professional Services Training Council to the Department of Training and Workforce Development.

The Minister said with more than 1,000 new jobs expected to be created in the cleaning industry in Western Australia during the next seven years, the change would make a significant impact.

“The number of people enrolled in the Asset Maintenance (Cleaning Operations) traineeships has doubled in the past 12 months.”

 “Training is not only about improving skills to maintain high standards and productivity, but it is also about people having a good understanding of occupational health and safety, about watching out – not only for their safety but also for their fellow workers and clients.” Mr. Collier said.

“The cleaning industry is a vital component of any developed economy.  Many buildings and workplaces would close if it were not for cleaners.”

“This makes the ‘invisible army’ that comes in while most people are away from their work an important part of our economy.” Mr. Collier said.