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There are no set entry requirements to become a caretaker although employers usually ask for experience of caretaking work. They may ask for knowledge of health and health safety. It may be an advantage to have relevant qualifications in, for example, cleaning. You need a good standard of numeracy and literacy. Employers may ask for GCSEs in English and maths. Employers may ask for a full driving licence. When you start work as a caretaker in the NHS, you will get the training you need. This includes health and safety and manual handling. You may be expected to go on short courses on particular topics such as infection control or dealing with hazardous waste.

Caretakers working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. You will typically start on AfC band 2. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions with broader responsibilities.Caretakers in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. Some may work shifts including early starts and evenings. Terms and conditions will usually be different for caretakers working outside of the NHS.

Caretakers need to be willing to do tasks as needed, physically fit for moving, lifting, bending, etc, responsible for their own work, willing to work alone if necessary, very health and safety aware and methodical and reliable. They also need good organisational, practical and communication skills.

With experience, a caretaker could become a team leader supervising other caretaking staff, possibly across several sites. There may be opportunities to move into other estates services roles or into a support role. There are opportunities outside the NHS.

At least two sciences among your A-levels (or equivalent level-3 qualifications) if applying for a BSc (Hons) healthcare science (respiratory physiology and sleep sciences) or NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP). For the NHS Scientist Training Programme you’ll need a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a relevant pure or applied science subject, such as physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology or sports science (if there is significant scientific content). If you have a relevant 2.2 honours degree, you’ll also be considered if you have a higher degree in a subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying. Evidence of research experience is desirable. To enter Higher Specialist Scientist Training, you'll need registration and experience as a clinical scientist.

NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. As a healthcare science practitioner, you’d usually start on band 5, with opportunities to progress to more senior positions. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, including Higher Specialist Scientist Training, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.

An interest in science and technology, effective communication skills, a mature, calm, confident but sympathetic approach to achieve the best outcome for each patient, confidence with technology, systems and processes, and the ability to work as part of a team.

With further training or experience or both, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching. In respiratory physiology, healthcare science staff are developing new techniques in transplanting of lungs from donors to recipients.