Janitors and cleaners usually find work by answering newspaper advertisements, applying directly to organizations where they would like to work, contacting local labor unions, or contacting State employment service offices. Advancement opportunities for janitorial workers usually are limited in organizations where they are the only maintenance worker. Where there is a large maintenance staff, however, janitors can be promoted to supervisor and to area supervisor or manager. A high school diploma improves the chances for advancement. Some janitors set up their own maintenance business.
Supervisors usually move up through the ranks.
In many establishments, they are required to take some in-service training to perfect housekeeping techniques and procedures, and to enhance supervisory skills. The occupation of janitors and cleaners is easy to enter because there are few requirements for formal education and training, turnover is high, and part-time and temporary jobs are plentiful. The need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force will create most job openings. Employment of building janitors and cleaners and cleaning supervisors is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 as the number of office buildings, apartment houses, schools, factories, hospitals, and other buildings increases. Businesses providing janitorial and cleaning services on a contract basis are expected to be one of the fastest growing employers of janitors and cleaners and cleaning supervisors as firms try to reduce costs by hiring independent contractors.