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CEO, MJ Pettit talks about the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in the cleaning sector

— 17 September 2021

IVJ 6512 1

Our Pioneer FM CEO recently spoke with Twin FM about the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in the cleaning sector. 


“Let’s be honest no one ever dreamt of a career in the cleaning industry. It’s an industry most people fall into. When people get their first job in cleaning it’s usually because they need to secure income, not a life’s long ambition. What we need to ask ourselves is, why people don’t see that a career of many prospects is available to them in the cleaning industry?

"Following in my parents’ footsteps I started out as Cleaning Operative and worked my way up to Operations Manager. This led to Business Development roles and then my current role as founder and CEO of Pioneer FM. I started my own FM company was because I was wanted our front-line workers, the true Pioneers of our industry, to get the reward and recognition they deserve. And I’m proud to say we are a Real Living Wage Employer. 

"All of us in the cleaning industry has had problems recruiting and attracting talent, even more so in the last 18 months. The competition for hardworking, reliable, and motivated people is fierce. That’s why we must do more to promote the many opportunities available in our industry.

"My team and I am working hard to develop a pilot Trainee Area Manager scheme at Pioneer FM, likened to a graduate scheme. We are hoping to go live in the next six months, with 10 people aged 18-24 across the UK. The scheme will run for six months, and we are looking to make some of the trainee’s permanent members of the team. It will see them take on different roles across the business, ensuring they learn the basics of the cleaning industry, such as contract management, health and safety, security screening, recruitment, human resources, quality management, social responsibility, and business development.

"If more cleaning companies take this approach to development, I am convinced we will drive recruitment and attract more people to the cleaning industry.