Do you want to be a...

Laundry Worker

Laundry workers sort, check and stack items of clothing and linen, and load and unload washing and drying machines in laundries.

Laundries are warm, steamy and quite noisy workplaces.

Laundry workers may be required to stand for long periods.

TASKS

Laundry workers may perform the following tasks:

make sure that items are identified with the customer's number or mark
assign barcodes and record items as they arrive
separate items according to colour, fabric and the cleaning treatment required, watching for damage and stains
load and unload washing and drying machines
monitor the computerised washing and drying systems in laundry machines
operate special pressing and ironing machines
fold, count, stack and package items for delivery
maintain hygiene standards and follow hygiene procedures
maintain the machinery

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to read and understand washing instructions
enjoy practical work
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
no skin allergies
able to work quickly and efficiently

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a laundry worker without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a laundry worker through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Laundry Operations.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Laundry workers usually work in large public or private laundries.

These may be industrial laundries and linen services that supply clean linen to organisations such as motels, hotels, restaurants, convention centres, institutions, industrial sites and nursing or convalescent homes. Some hospitals and aged-care facilities employ laundry workers in their own laundries. They can be employed in coin laundries and some also provide a nappy service.

Laundry workers employed by health support services may require additional training in hygiene and infection control.

With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to progress to supervisory and management positions.

Supervisory positions are usually filled by laundry workers who have shown that they can work unsupervised and learn quickly.

There has been a move towards computerised equipment. Machines are now doing much of what was once manual laundry work. It is expected that this trend will continue and laundry workers will need to be familiar with the new machinery.

Similar Jobs

Cleaner

Dry Cleaner