Earning a Qualification While You Work: Fresh Desk's Skills Programme

Cleaning is skilled work. Anyone who's done it knows that — the physical stamina it takes, the attention to detail, the knowledge of products and surfaces, the infection control protocols. What the industry hasn't always done is formally recognise that skill.

The New Zealand Certificate in Cleaning (Level 2) changes that. It's a nationally recognised NZQA qualification, and at Fresh Desk, we support our team to earn it.

How the programme works

The Skills Programme runs alongside your regular cleaning work — there's no need to take time off or study full-time. Most participants study around one hour per week, completing online modules at their own pace. A laptop can be provided if needed.

The qualification covers:

• Cleaning techniques and best practice

• Infection prevention and control

• Customer service

• Health and safety

• Supervision skills

Fresh Desk team members work through the programme with support from colleagues and management. If you've already completed Level 2, there's a pathway to Level 3 as well.

What it leads to

For some people, the certificate is recognition of skills they've had for years. For others, it's a stepping stone — to a supervisory role, to working independently, or even to running their own business (as Pradeep and Subasri proved with Fab Cleaning in 2024).

Since the programme began, Fresh Desk team members have earned 14 NZQA Certificates in Cleaning.

Thinking about joining the Fresh Desk team?

If you're interested in cleaning work with a company that pays the Living Wage, invests in your development, and genuinely cares about the wellbeing of its team, we'd love to hear from you.

Learn more about the New Zealand Certificate in Cleaning at careerforce.org.nz