Jobs for over 50s: Why school caretaking could be the perfect fit
Your birth certificate may say you’re heading for retirement ... but perhaps you don’t want it to be that way! Increasingly, people over 50 are choosing to rejoin the workforce, with 14% of retirees returning to work after retirement.*
For many, work represents more than just a pay check - it’s an avenue for social connection, physical activity, and mental stimulation.
If you're someone who isn’t quite ready to stop working, or you’ve recently retired but feel there’s still more you’d like to give, a school caretaker role could be your next step.
School caretaker roles, as offered by TIB Services, bring a new sense of purpose, social connection, and the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of children and school staff.
The roles offer a flexible work schedule, making it easier to balance with personal commitments, and allowing community-minded individuals the chance to set their own work-life balance.
The skills needed to succeed as a school caretaker
Many of those taking on a school caretaker role come from careers in the armed forces, emergency services, engineering, trades and other professions.
While these people may have never worked in a school before, they bring valuable life experience, strong problem-solving skills, and a calm, practical approach to getting things done.
Typical duties include small repairs and maintenance, meaning competent home DIY skills are an important requirement. Additionally, a can-do attitude and passion for the community are highly valued qualities in school caretakers.
A flexible, rewarding role in North Yorkshire
TIB Services is now actively looking for people across North Yorkshire and Leeds - including Ripon, Tadcaster, and surrounding areas - to register an interest in taking on a school caretaker role.
Such jobs not only tick the box of playing an important role in a school’s community, they also offer someone the flexibility to balance work with their own personal commitments, whether that’s enjoying hobbies, looking after grandchildren, or other pursuits.
With part-time and full-time opportunities available, candidates can pick and choose the assignments that fit around their lives and achieve their ideal work-life balance.
Alongside flexible work, TIB Services also offers individuals free training in safeguarding, compliance and health and safety, plus an Enhanced DBS, after successful interview.
Work that directly impacts the smooth running of North Yorkshire’s schools
The role of a school caretaker is varied and people-facing. Typical duties include:
-Small maintenance repairs
-Locking and unlocking the school; performing security and perimeter checks
-Managing deliveries and moving equipment
-Setting up meeting rooms and event spaces
-Conducting fire safety and compliance checks
-Liaising with external contractors
You wouldn’t be applying for a specific school straight away; instead, you’ll join TIB Services’ pool of local candidates and register for job alerts when a role becomes available near you.
Use your skills to make a meaningful difference
We are seeing much more demand from schools in North Yorkshire who are really struggling to find candidates of the calibre required for these important caretaking roles. Working within a friendly school team is extremely rewarding and offers mature people an opportunity to use their existing skills in a meaningful way.
If you have competent practical skills, a strong work ethic and a passion for supporting North Yorkshire’s community, then TIB Services would love to hear from you.
Register your interest and find out more by following this link.
* The source is Standard Life: https://www.standardlife.co.uk/about/press-releases/14-percent-of-retirees-have-returned-to-work)