Education Today Education Today Magazine
Comment by NICK ORDE-POWLETT, Managing Director at TIB Services
Recruitment for caretaker and estates roles is one of the most pressing challenges facing schools and multi-academy trusts today. Many schools are struggling to fill positions, and this has a direct impact on the smooth running of daily operations, from maintenance and security to event setup and health and safety compliance. Addressing this challenge requires schools to think creatively about who they hire and where they look for talent.
One group that often receives less attention in recruitment discussions is professionals over 50. Research from TIB Services indicates that this demographic tends to prioritise purpose and impact over financial reward, making them ideally suited to roles that support the operational backbone of schools, including caretaking, site management, and facilities support. These individuals bring a wealth of transferable skills, including reliability, technical competence, problem-solving, and integrity, that are directly relevant to the day-to-day needs of school estates teams.
Many of the over-50s who we work with have backgrounds in fields such as the military, emergency services, engineering, and trades. Military veterans bring discipline, leadership under pressure, and a collaborative mindset. Former emergency services personnel excel in risk management, rapid decision-making, and keeping calm in challenging situations. Engineers and tradespeople offer practical skills, technical knowledge, and hands-on problem-solving abilities. When applied in schools, these qualities translate into operational excellence, safer environments, and more efficient estates management.
In practical terms, these professionals can undertake essential duties ranging from routine maintenance and security checks to event setup and compliance tasks, allowing teachers and leadership teams to focus on learning outcomes. Their experience also provides opportunities for mentoring and knowledge-sharing, helping to build stronger, more resilient teams. Flexible working arrangements, such as part-time or project-based roles, make these positions accessible to mature candidates while giving schools practical solutions to staffing pressures.
Since 2019, TIB Services has developed a candidate pool of over 9,000 professionals, many aged 50 or older, who have supported schools and multi-academy trusts across the country. Feedback from schools highlights high satisfaction with this approach, demonstrating that ageinclusive recruitment can reliably fill caretaker and estates roles with skilled, motivated staff.
For schools and trusts, the wider lesson is clear: recruitment challenges require fresh thinking. Age-inclusive hiring is not just a way to fill vacancies. It can enhance stability, resilience, and engagement within school teams. By looking beyond traditional hiring pools and past job titles, schools can access individuals motivated by meaningful work, equipped with practical skills, and committed to long-term contribution. Considering the over-50s workforce as a strategic solution to caretaker recruitment challenges provides both operational value and cultural enrichment, helping schools run smoothly while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
