Cleaning Hygiene Operative (Healthcare)

The Healthcare Pathway of our Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship is meticulously crafted to provide aspiring individuals with a specialised and in-depth learning journey tailored for careers in the healthcare cleaning sector, as well as providing a launchpad for career progression into multiple routes.

This comprehensive apprenticeship programme is strategically designed to encompass vital modules essential for excelling in healthcare cleaning services. From mastering specialised cleaning techniques specific to healthcare environments to efficiently managing workloads and promptly responding to cleaning needs, apprentices will acquire a profound understanding of the unique challenges and requirements within this sector.

Throughout the programme, apprentices will immerse themselves in the intricacies of health, safety, and infection control standards crucial for healthcare cleaning operations. They will become proficient in employing specialised soil removal techniques, selecting appropriate cleaning agents specific to healthcare settings, and adhering to stringent disinfection protocols to ensure optimal cleanliness and hygiene while prioritising patient safety and well-being.

Effective communication skills tailored for healthcare settings will be emphasised, alongside techniques for patient-centric cleaning practices. Apprentices will also learn the importance of storage and housekeeping protocols specific to healthcare facilities, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining a safe and organised environment conducive to patient care.

Furthermore, apprentices will receive specialised training in healthcare waste management practices, emphasising environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. They will also gain proficiency in documentation and compliance procedures, prioritising security and confidentiality standards paramount in healthcare settings.

By the conclusion of the apprenticeship, individuals will emerge not only with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare cleaning practices but also with the ability to apply advanced cleaning techniques and best practices effectively in diverse healthcare environments. Equipped with this skill set, apprentices will play a pivotal role in upholding exemplary standards of cleanliness, infection control, and patient safety within healthcare facilities, contributing to enhanced patient outcomes and overall operational efficiency.

As Healthcare Cleaning Hygiene Operatives, apprentices will undertake responsibilities for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of healthcare spaces on a full-time basis, following structured shift patterns to ensure continuous coverage. They will receive competitive remuneration reflective of their expertise and dedication to maintaining optimal hygiene standards critical for patient care.

The successful completion of this apprenticeship not only prepares individuals for fulfilling careers in healthcare cleaning but also opens doors to diverse career opportunities within the healthcare sector, including roles in facilities management and specialised healthcare cleaning services. Viable progression routes from this apprenticeship include pathways into management roles through our Team Leader Supervisor apprenticeship, specialised focus on health and safety through the Safety, Health & Environment technician apprenticeship, as well as progression into Facilities specialised apprenticeships.

All apprenticeship standards cover three overall sections, these being Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours. Each of these areas is associated with a specific standard and covers topics that are relevant to that industry and profession. The core topics covered for the Healthcare Cleaning Hygiene Operative Level 2 apprenticeship are below.

Knowledge:

Manage Risk and Identify when there is a need for change from routine to enhanced Cleaning Protocols
Handle, use and dispose of cleaning chemicals following Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
Disposal of routine and non-routine waste, including segregation of waste into appropriate containers for storage, and disposal in line with environmental disposal legislation
Selection and safe use of cleaning equipment and machinery for routine and specialist cleaning tasks, including importance of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Recognise and report the signs of pest infestation
The principle of rapid response cleans
The difference between disinfection and cleaning
Correct storage of equipment, chemicals, and consumables
The reasons for the security of premises, cleaning equipment and materials, and the implications of a security breach
Soil classification, soil contaminant removal methods appropriate to levels of soiling
The importance of accurate data reporting
The importance gaining guidance and support
Sustainable practices in the workplace
Data protection legislation

Skills:

Conduct tasks according to documented safe ways of working
Select and use the most appropriate cleaning agent appropriate to different surface types
Clean cleaning equipment and machinery after use
Recognise and respond to rapid response clean requests
Conduct scheduled and periodic cleaning, prioritising work where required
Conduct cleaning and disinfection tasks
Deliver housekeeping services including maintaining a clean storage environment, maintenance of equipment, stock control and rotation
Take measures to ensure the security of cleaning equipment and materials, and premises
Communicate with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders professionally
Apply colour coding correctly to conduct cleaning safely and effectively
Apply procedures for reporting shortages, incidents, accidents, and issues with delivering cleaning services
Engage with the audit and quality assurance process
Use PPE and comply with the organisational uniform policy to maintain required levels of hygiene
Conduct cleaning tasks to the appropriate hygiene standard to ensure infection prevention and control of the healthcare environment
Communicate with service users considering their possible emotional, mental health and physical issues
Safely prepare an area for commercial cleaning
Conduct cleaning tasks according to specialist commercial requirements
Carry out routine cleans in line with client contract requirements

Behaviours:

Work with respect and professionalism
Work independently and as part of a team; escalating areas of concern and working to evidence based best practice
Work in a consistent manner, taking responsibility for your own actions and completed work
A flexible approach to your work when required
Work in a sustainable way, considering the environment and making best use of products and materials
Champion equality and diversity

The training is a blended learning delivery model, which occurs on the job during working hours. A structured learning and assessment plan is put in place to test core components of the course along the way.

This consists of:

1-to-1 monthly meeting: Approx. two hours with a GLP Trainer (face-to-face or telephone)
Online learning courses and/or group sessions
Building an electronic portfolio of work-related evidence
Maths and English Level 2 (if not previously achieved)
6 hours a week spent working towards your apprenticeship.
End Point Assessment by an external examiner to complete the qualification, consisting of a resourcing project assignment and a professional discussion

To achieve the qualification, within which you can either get a result of Pass, Distinction or Fail, you will be assessed both throughout the period of your apprenticeships, as well as in the final stages with an End Point Assessment (EPA).

End Point Assessment

The EPA period will only start once the employer is satisfied that the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard.

In addition, the apprentice must have completed the following gateway requirements prior to beginning EPA:

Achieved Functional Skills Qualification if required to do so.

The End Point Assessment process which typically takes 3 months, consists of three components:

A knowledge Test
Observation with Questioning
Interview
Portfolio evidence which will be collated over the course of the apprenticeship.

The combined score of these methods will provide the final grade for the apprenticeship.

An additional benefit of this apprenticeship is the career development unit, which equips apprentices with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles and climb the career ladder. It provides valuable insights into the broader industry landscape and helps candidates strategise for future growth, even offering pathways to Level 3 apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships.

The cleaning hygiene operative apprenticeship can be suitable to many job roles, such as: care hygiene operatives, cleaning hygiene operative, cleaning services operative, domestic assistant, environmental cleaning operative and housekeepers.

If you're unsure whether your job role or members of your organisations job roles are suitable for this apprenticeship, then please contact us.

This apprenticeship standard will also be recognised by the British Institute of Cleaning Science. They are the largest, independent, professional and educational body within the cleaning industry. They are an internationally recognised qualification, providing benchmark skills for all staff within the cleaning industry.

APPRENTICESHIP

Cleaning Hygiene Operative (Healthcare)

The healthcare cleaning hygiene operative apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for careers in cleaning and hygiene, as well as a launchpad for career progression.

Level

2

Duration

12+ months

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LINKS TO OUR PATHWAYS

This Apprenticeship Standard is also linked to our

Facilities Management Pathway

providing amazing career progression opportunities.

PARTNERSHIPS

Download our 2023-2024 prospectus

Download a detailed course guide

Cleaning Hygiene Operative (Healthcare)

2

12+ months

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