The skills from your old career could breathe life into a new one! Caretaking jobs near you
When Ted retired after a career in construction and joinery, it didn’t take him long to feel restless. While looking for something to beat his boredom, he stumbled across school caretaking – read his inspiring story.
Ted spent most of his working life in construction – a multi-trader through and through.
He says: “I dipped my fingers in most trades over the years. But I was a joiner by trade, mainly doing maintenance work in people’s homes.
“I retired at the beginning of Lockdown, simply because I was a maintenance joiner and people didn’t want me in their homes.”
But, he quickly began to get bored.
Then, by chance, Ted came across TIB Services – a caretaking recruitment service that works with schools across the region.
What appealed to Ted about school caretaking?
Ted’s role as a school caretaker allowed him to apply his multi-trade background in meaningful ways. “I was interested in helping out in schools simply because that is my nature. I like helping people,” explains Ted.
The typical duties of the caretaker roles available through TIB Services include:
-Small maintenance repairs -Locking and unlocking the school; performing security and perimeter checks -Managing deliveries and moving equipment -Setting up meeting rooms and event spaces -Conducting fire safety and compliance checks -Liaising with external contractors
Beyond general maintenance, Ted’s work contributes to the smooth running of schools, ensuring they remain safe, welcoming spaces for staff and students.
A rewarding role that fits around Ted’s lifestyle
Ted is grateful for the flexibility the role offers.
He says: “I’ve got grandchildren, I do the school run, I walk the dog – and I can still fit in this work. That was a big priority for me.”
And it is work that is really appreciated by the school community.
“One day I was emptying the bin and there was a bar of chocolate with a note in it saying, ‘thank you so much for the work that you do’,” reminisces Ted.
“It’s little bits and pieces like that that I never really got in my work as a joiner.”
For anyone thinking about a new role in later life, Ted couldn’t recommend TIB Services enough.
“They’re friendly, efficient, and supportive. It’s everything you’d want from a company.”
How to find your new future after retirement
TIB offers a free training package – including health and safety, safeguarding and compliance training – along with a free Enhanced DBS to get people ready to work in schools. You don’t need a teaching background or previous experience in school caretaking; just practical experience and a can-do attitude.
TIB Services is currently looking for candidates with DIY skills and a passion for helping Yorkshire’s local communities. They actively encourage people with life experience and skills to join them as their perfect candidates. Learn more about school caretaking opportunities in North Yorkshire here.
Yorkshire-born founder and TIB MD Nick Orde-Powlett said: “We are seeing much more demand from schools in North Yorkshire who are really struggling to find candidates of the calibre required for these important caretaking roles. Working within a friendly school team is extremely rewarding and offers mature people an opportunity to use their existing skills in a meaningful way.”
A rewarding career change with the perfect work-life balance could be waiting for you – and you could be just the candidate that TIB Services are looking for.
Find out more here.