Do I need to be a qualified tradesperson to be a caretaker?

No. Most caretakers are practical all-rounders. Trade skills help, but employers mainly want someone reliable who notices problems and can do basic repairs safely.

Will a school need a DBS check?

Yes. Anyone working on a school site normally needs an enhanced DBS check, so mention it if you already hold a current one.

How do I show I can be trusted with keys and alarms?

Give a clear example, such as being the named keyholder or running the lock-up for several years without a problem.

Caretaker CV example

A strong caretaker CV shows that you can be trusted with a building and its keys. It should cover opening and locking up, safety checks, simple repairs and cleaning, along with a current enhanced DBS check if the site is a school.

Zara Ahmed

Caretaker

Profile

Dependable caretaker with experience looking after a busy primary school site, from opening up to locking up. Skilled in safety checks, minor repairs, grounds tidying and working with contractors. Holds a current enhanced DBS check and is known for fixing small problems before they grow.

Experience

Caretaker

a primary school

Opened the site at 6.30am and locked up each evening, setting the alarm and keeping a key register

Carried out weekly fire alarm tests and water safety checks, recording the results in the logbooks

Fixed minor faults such as loose handles, blocked drains and broken furniture, and logged larger jobs for contractors

Set up the hall for assemblies, events and exams, then cleared away afterwards

Kept playgrounds, paths and bin areas clear and safe, including gritting in icy weather

Site Operative

a leisure centre

Carried out daily building checks and reported faults to the facilities manager

Cleaned changing rooms, corridors and communal areas to a set schedule

Met contractors on arrival and signed them in and out

Ordered and stored cleaning supplies and checked deliveries

Example · fictional candidate · Botanical design · Use this design

Tips for a caretaker CV

Lead with trust: mention keys, alarms and lock-up, and how long you have held that responsibility
Say which safety checks you carry out, such as fire alarm tests, emergency lighting and water temperature logs
List basic repair skills honestly, such as painting, locks, minor plumbing or joinery, and say that gas and electrical work is left to qualified people
Include an enhanced DBS check and safeguarding awareness if you are applying to a school
Give a short example of working well with staff, children, contractors and the head or business manager
Note your availability for early starts, evening lettings and emergency call-outs

Applying with a cover letter? See our caretaker cover letter example.

Caretaker CV example

Zara Ahmed

Profile

Experience

Caretaker

Site Operative

Tips for a caretaker CV

Questions about caretaker CVs