CONTRACT CLEANING Careers from cleaning SBFM’s Kelly Dolphin discusses the importance of career progression in the cleaning industry.


In the UK today, there are 9.2 million people aged between 16 and 64 not in work nor looking for a job. That statistic reflects a societal failure – a huge talent pool is wasting away, unnoticed. Employment upskilling schemes can provide long-term career progression opportunities for these people.


SBFM’s Evolve scheme supports workers from disadvantaged backgrounds, including care leavers, the long-term unemployed, refugees, people experiencing homelessness and ex-offenders. Recruiters take time to understand these peoples’ struggles, get them into employment and provide them with pathways for growth.


“Many [ex-offenders] want opportunities to work and prove themselves.”


For many ex-offenders, the transition from prison to society is not streamlined; societal stigma, personal struggles and unemployment can all contribute to instability and re-offending. Employers should change their approach to these people. Many want opportunities to work and prove themselves, and employers can help them by taking the time to listen and adapt work schedules for their needs.


Natural progression should be prioritised. Employees can begin as cleaners and then be given catered and structured support to move into roles within partnered companies. Client collaboration is paramount. For example, many of SBFM’s clients are Evolve partners, including PureGym. Some ex-offenders work at PureGym whilst receiving training to become personal trainers at the same time.


Ex-offenders, care leavers and other groups all possess the skills needed to plug the UK’s labour gap. Upskilling employment schemes can transform the industry by realising this untapped potential.


Kial’s story


Kial Henry first found out about Evolve when he was serving the final months of his sentence in prison. Previously, he’d found that even though he had relevant qualifications and a background in painting and decorating, his criminal history meant that many turned him away. He met with Evolve recruiter Ian Tidswell, Learning and Social Impact Manager at SBFM. Straightaway, Kial saw Evolve as a lifeline.


46 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING


He had intended to jump right into work when he was first released, but he was still in the process of finding his feet and himself – who he was, what he liked and what he wanted to do. Once he was ready to take the step into employment, he reached out to SBFM again and the recruiters were still there, ready to support him.


Kial started out as a cleaner at PureGym, which gave him a routine he thrived in. In his personal life, Kial enjoys exercise and goes to the gym regularly, so the placement aligned with his passions and meant he had a new space to work out.


Evolve’s impact


Compared to his previous work, PureGym was a lot more sociable and it took Kial some getting used to. He found that the regular routine helped establish a perfect blend of his home and work life. He did not see the work as a ‘cleaning job’ but rather an extension of the housework he would do at home, and completing it was satisfying.


“Upskilling


employment schemes can transform the


industry by realising untapped potential.”


Now, Kial has transitioned to working at the helpdesk of SBFM’s headquarters in Leeds. This head office role provides further learning opportunities and skill development. It has new challenges but a similar social element to his previous PureGym role – greeting people throughout the day and helping with any issues they may have.


Kial’s outlook on life has changed too. Previously, he felt stress relating to his upbringing, and he found himself dwelling on the past. Now, he can talk to his mum and train away his stress. In his new work and routine, he’s much more relaxed than he once was.


Kial is like so many people in the UK who possess the skills, resilience, determination and potential that the dwindling UK workforce desperately needs. Cleaning can be an entryway into not only a new job, but a new future. If the industry can incorporate upskilling schemes, a whole new workforce awaits.


www.sb-fm.co.uk x.com/TomoCleaning


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