Cleaning industry associations unite in landmark article to challenge cleaning career perceptions

Helping to change the narrative about a career in cleaning, five industry heads speak up in the UK’s top education business magazine arguing that the UK Cleaning industry should be one of the first career choices, rather than the last.

Heads of five major UK cleaning industry associations have joined forces in a landmark feature for Education Today magazine, speaking directly to careers advisers and education professionals about the genuine opportunities available in the cleaning sector. Education Today is the UK’s leading business publication for education professionals, careers advisers and school leadership teams across the UK.

The collaborative article, published in the February issue of Education Today brings together voices from:

• Neil Spencer-Cook, Chair, British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc)
• Paul Ashton, Chair, Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA)
• David Garcia, Chair, British Cleaning Council (BCC)
• Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the CHSA
• Darren Marston, Master, Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC)

This marks a significant step in the industry’s efforts to reposition cleaning as a professional career pathway, moving beyond outdated “mop and bucket” stereotypes that have long hindered recruitment of young talent.

Darren Marston, who played a pivotal role in bringing this joint article to fruition says, “For too long, we’ve been preaching to the converted inside our industry, with each association working in isolation. Now we’re presenting a united front to education professionals about what the cleaning industry really offers. We contribute billions to the UK economy and provide genuine career opportunities – from facilities management to infection control, sustainability to technology. It’s time we stopped accepting outdated stereotypes and showed educators how vibrant and forward-thinking our sector truly is, actively inviting the next generation to help shape our future.”

The feature highlights the diverse career opportunities within the sector, from facilities management and infection control, law and accountancy to AI applications and robotic technology. The contributors emphasised the industry’s commitment to professional qualifications, apprenticeships, and clear progression routes, not to mention healthy remuneration, opportunities for travel and mentoring of the next generation among the perks.

By speaking directly to those who guide young people’s career choices through Education Today, the industry aims to ensure cleaning is properly represented as a viable option when students explore their future options. No longer should it be the last or embarrassing option, but one full of possibilities at the top of their list.

The initiative represents an unprecedented level of collaboration across the cleaning sector’s main representative bodies, demonstrating a unified commitment to attracting the next generation of talent.

The Education Today article can be read at: Ed Today Feb26 pg 23

If you would like to find out more about the Environmental Cleaners, chartership or any their initiatives or events, please email clerk@wc-ec.com, or visit www.wc-ec.com