Study Trip to USA 10-18 November 2025: Part 2
From 10-18 November, Estonian cleaning service specialists participated in job shadowing in the United States. The study trip took place within the Erasmus+ programme and provided participants with valuable theoretical and practical training on cleaning, training methods, and environmental sustainability.
Since the mobility involved managers, teachers, and trainers engaged in education, the experience gained will directly impact the quality of vocational education and continuing training in Estonia.
The following organisations participated in the trip: Tartu Vocational College, Sol Baltics OÜ, Krausberg, and Ida-Viru Vocational Education Centre. The study trip took place within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme under contract number 2024-1-EE01-KA121-VET-000236654.
Since the mobility involved managers, teachers, and trainers engaged in education, the experience gained will directly impact the quality of vocational education and continuing training in Estonia.
The following organisations participated in the trip: Tartu Vocational College, Sol Baltics OÜ, Krausberg, and Ida-Viru Vocational Education Centre. The study trip took place within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme under contract number 2024-1-EE01-KA121-VET-000236654.
How is cleaning training conducted in the USA?
In Los Angeles, we were welcomed by Building Skills Partnership (BSP) – a non-profit organisation that supports low-income workers, primarily cleaning service providers, by offering language training, professional development, and social support. BSP’s activities are linked to the Taft–Hartley Act and the local cleaning workers’ union SEIU-USWW.
Approximately 5,000 cleaning service providers are trained annually at BSP, with about half of them also participating in English language learning courses. Union membership provides access to training, legal protection, and support services.
In California‘s cleaning sector, challenges are often social – nearly 95% of workers are immigrants, and many lack confidence, language skills, or educational background. English language learning is often the first step to building confidence and a sense of security. Training takes place in a familiar environment during working hours, and completing the course is the first formal educational experience for many, celebrated with great pride.
Approximately 5,000 cleaning service providers are trained annually at BSP, with about half of them also participating in English language learning courses. Union membership provides access to training, legal protection, and support services.
In California‘s cleaning sector, challenges are often social – nearly 95% of workers are immigrants, and many lack confidence, language skills, or educational background. English language learning is often the first step to building confidence and a sense of security. Training takes place in a familiar environment during working hours, and completing the course is the first formal educational experience for many, celebrated with great pride.
A Holistic Approach to Training
BSP‘s training courses are based on a holistic approach – the focus is not only on cleaning techniques, but on the individual as a whole. Only when an individual’s basic needs are met can the focus shift to work quality and professional skills.
In the first few days, a terminological difference also became apparent – in America, the word janitor is used, while in Europe, it’s cleaner. Although the terms differ, the essence and responsibility of the profession remain the same.
Cleaning technical standards are not nationally uniform in the USA, but depend on the facility’s work instructions. BSP‘s training courses emphasise that a safe and supportive learning environment must be created before beginning to teach technical skills.
In the first few days, a terminological difference also became apparent – in America, the word janitor is used, while in Europe, it’s cleaner. Although the terms differ, the essence and responsibility of the profession remain the same.
Cleaning technical standards are not nationally uniform in the USA, but depend on the facility’s work instructions. BSP‘s training courses emphasise that a safe and supportive learning environment must be created before beginning to teach technical skills.
Diverse Training Programs
BSP‘s programmes meet the actual needs of the sector:
Also important is the Green Janitor Education Program, which supports LEED certification requirements and teaches environmentally friendly cleaning practices. The programme was born out of the need to explain to employees why sustainability is important, not just which products to use.
Summary
The study trip to the USA provided valuable insight into how cleaning service training can be conducted under different cultural and systemic conditions. Building Skills Partnership (BSP)‘s training programmes demonstrate that effective learning requires a holistic approach – focusing on an individual’s well-being, sense of security, and fulfilment of basic needs.
Various programmes – from developing occupational safety and digital skills to leadership skills and environmentally friendly cleaning training – support employee development and professional pride. It was also acknowledged that a carefully planned and supportive learning environment is a prerequisite for technical skills and high-quality work to emerge.
The study trip inspired us to view the cleaning service industry as a professional, valuable, and continuously developing field, where people’s development and well-being are as important as the quality of the work.
Author: Maria Liis Alt
Various programmes – from developing occupational safety and digital skills to leadership skills and environmentally friendly cleaning training – support employee development and professional pride. It was also acknowledged that a carefully planned and supportive learning environment is a prerequisite for technical skills and high-quality work to emerge.
The study trip inspired us to view the cleaning service industry as a professional, valuable, and continuously developing field, where people’s development and well-being are as important as the quality of the work.
Author: Maria Liis Alt