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Upskilling the cleaning industry: a Norwegian case study
27th of October 2025 Article by Wioleta TomaszewskaWioleta Tomaszewska is a BU support planner in cleaning at Coor FM (one of the leading service providers in the Nordics) and lecturer in cleaning management. She previously worked as an area manager in the cleaning department of Bergen Municipality, Norway.
In this piece she tells us about a vocational programme in cleaning management that's seeking to elevate the status of the industry as a whole.
For many years, access to higher education for cleaning managers in Norway has been limited and unclear. This has now begun to change, with the introduction of an educational offering that enhances the competence of current professionals and contributes to elevating the status of the cleaning profession as a whole.
Norway's vocational education programme in cleaning management (60 credits, EQF level 5) offers a long-awaited opportunity for both current leaders and future aspirants. Participants gain in-depth knowledge of leadership, finance, HR and organisational development, HSE (health, safety and environment), and societal trends.
After completing the programme, students are expected to apply tools and methods relevant to modern cleaning operations - forming a solid foundation to meet the challenges of today's market. The programme is a direct response to trade unions' call for better-qualified leadership. It has been developed through collaboration between public and private stakeholders to ensure a broad and relevant foundation that helps professionalise the sector and better prepare managers for future demands.
What do leaders learn? Participants receive training in all relevant aspects of the cleaning industry - from leadership and finance to HSE and sustainable development. Topics include:
• Lean thinking to reduce waste and increase efficiency
• Relational leadership to foster well-being and engagement among staff
• Project management for effective planning and execution
• Financial literacy to support budgeting and resource management
These are vital competencies in an industry constantly facing new demands for quality, documentation, and sustainability.
Social sustainability and sector professionalisation
According to Inger Johanne Bligaard, head of strategy and innovation at Tirna, the programme helps raise both the status of individual managers and of the sector as a whole:"It's about giving leaders the opportunity to grow and strengthen their position in the labour market," she notes. "Competence gives you the ability to stand firmly in your profession and lead with confidence."
Irene Mæland, advisor at Tirna and member of the programme development group, adds that the education equips leaders to improve workplace culture, ensure quality, and professionalise operations: "This programme is a key step in giving cleaning leaders the knowledge they need to grow in their role while raising the bar for the entire industry."
For those seeking further development, Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) offers two part-time courses in Facility Management (FM). Most of the teaching is delivered online, with two in-person seminars per course at the Oslo campus. These gatherings enable vital networking between students and industry actors.
• BALV3600: Facility Management in Organisations (10 ECTS). Offers insight into FM as a discipline, including risk management, resource planning, and performance measurement in complex systems.
• BALV3700: Pedagogical Leadership and Resource Development in FM (15 ECTS). Equips leaders to guide employees, support learning processes and improve communication in the workplace. It also covers conflict management and effective staff training.
It's worth noting that completing the vocational school programme is not a prerequisite for enrolling in these courses. All three offerings are independent, and each contributes to strengthening leadership competence in the sector.
Facing the challenges ahead
The cleaning industry faces a number of future challenges - including growing demands for sustainability, the use of new technology and the digitalisation of operations. Managers' ability to adapt will be key to future success. Education in cleaning management plays a vital role in preparing leaders for this transformation. With knowledge in digital resource management, automation and green methods, they are better equipped to lead sustainable and efficient operations.
The future will demand more from cleaning managers - and a strong foundation in leadership gives them the tools and confidence to meet these expectations.
Education is the key to professionalising the cleaning industry. The cleaning management programme bridges the gap between public and private actors, providing leaders with the tools to run operations efficiently, build strong teams, and implement projects that create long-term value. With its focus on lean, relational leadership and financial understanding, the programme strengthens both the individual and the industry. This upskilling initiative empowers cleaning managers to meet future demands in a professional and sustainable way.
This article is based on developments in the Norwegian cleaning sector. It was originally published in Norwegian in the industry magazine Renholdsnytt (issue 5/2024), and has been translated and adapted for international dissemination.
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