Employment Private household workers held about 802,000 jobs in 1996. Most jobs are in big cities and their affluent suburbs. Some are on large estates or in resorts away from cities. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Private household workers generally do not need any special training. Individuals who cannot find other work because of limited language or other skills often turn to this work.
Most jobs require the ability to clean well, cook, or take care of children.
These skills are generally learned by young people while helping with housework at home. Some training takes place on the job. Employers show the household workers what they want done and how. For child-care workers and companions, general education and the ability to get along with the person they will care for are most important. Home economics courses in high schools and vocational and adult education schools offer training in cooking and child care.