Get a clean set of wheels; in association with fish 4 jobs Careers in car valeting More information If you enjoy working outdoors and have a knack for cleaning, a career as a car valet may appeal. Michelle Rushton got out the elbow grease to find out more.

Byline: Michelle Rushton

What does a career in car valeting involve?

Car valets clean the inside and outside of motor vehicles. They can be responsible for collecting and delivering vehicles, and use high-pressure hoses to clean them outside.

Their job also involves cleaning car windows, wheels, door handles and mirrors, vacuuming and shampooing upholstery and carpets and waxing and polishing surfaces.

They make bumpers and trims shine by applying gels and other finishes, and paint rubber dressing on the side walls of tyres. They even steam clean engines, frames and wheel arches.

Some valets work from mobile units containing water, generator, power washer and wet/dry vacuum.

Valets tend to work at garages and car dealerships where they prepare new and used cars for sale, as well as independent valeting companies and car rental firms. They may also clean cars for vehicle owners or provide a mobile valeting service at their premises. Working hours may including weekends.

What personal skills do you need?

You need to be physically fit and prepared to work outside. You should be methodical and able to pay attention to detail, with the ability to read and follow safety procedures and understand manufacturers' instructions and warnings. You need to be able to work on your own or as part of a team. Good customer service skills are a must. A full driving licence is essential for most jobs, so you will need to be over the age of 17.

What training do you need?

You do not need any academic qualifications, but previous experience in the motor trade or industrial/office cleaning is useful.

Most valets receive training in cleaning and polishing techniques and health and safety procedures on the job.

If you are working as a mobile valet you will go out with trained valets until you are ready to work on your own.

You could enter the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICS) Car Valeting Certificate Scheme.

If you work at a garage you might be able to work towards the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) NVQ Level 2 in vehicle maintenance and repair, which has a vehicle valeting option, or the City & Guilds NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in cleaning and support services, which has an optional passenger transport unit.

What are the opportunities for career advancement?

With experience, you could progress to supervisor, or to area manager in big firms. You could also become self-employed, working for private or commercial users or dealerships.

What is the salary?

(Rough guideline). Salaries range from pounds 10,000 to around pounds 12,500 a year. Overtime and shift work can increase earnings.

More information

Automotive Skills, www.automotiveskills.org.uk

British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICS), www.bics.org.uk

Institute of the Motor Industry, www.motor.org.uk

Details are provided for information purposes only.