Spotters need color vision to identify and remove stains. A formal apprenticeship may be entered into on an individual employer basis, or the work may be learned on the job. Usually several months are needed to train a Dry Cleaner or Presser. It may take six to twelve months to become a Spotter because of the variety of fabrics and stains with which they must become familiar. Training in these occupations is also available in a few trade schools.
Employers look for workers who are dependable and able to follow instructions.
There are no minimum educational requirements. There is no established advancement pattern among the dry cleaning occupations. When a worker becomes proficient at one of the jobs described here, the worker may learn one or more of the others. When a worker becomes proficient at all of these jobs, advancement might be made to supervisor or to manager or to entrepreneurial owner-operator of an establishment. Advancement for most workers in the industry, however, is limited, and many remain at the same work permanently.