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Detailers, Automobile

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This is a Demand OccupationA Demand Occupation is defined as follows.

The hierarchy for qualification is the Regional Demand
(the occupation had a entry wage equal to or greater
than 90% of the Economic Development Region (EDR) negotiated
wage as an average of all LWIA’s in the EDR AND at
least 25 annual average job openings in the EDR);
State Wide (the occupation qualified for at least
5 of the Regional Demands and thus was added to all
ten EDR lists); Career Cluster (the occupation is
listed on at least one of the six career clusters
Illinois has identified as priority [data is available
under the career clusters on the The National
Association of State Directors of Career Technical
Education Consortium website at ]), and Regional
Request (an LWIA received approval of a request to
add an occupation code to its EDR list based on substantiative
data and information supporting a need in the region).
NOTE: Only those occupations with a Source of Regional
Demand or State Wide will be eligible for incentive
bonus award under the Minimum Training Expenditure
policy requirements.

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Detailers, Automobile - Occupation Overview

  • Clean using scrapers, brushes, soaps, water, or steam
  • May do minor maintenance and repairs
  • Usually work outdoors
  • Most work 40 hours a week
  • May work days, nights, or weekends
  • Train on the job
  • Earn $19,590 per year (Illinois median)
  • Earn $19,850 per year (national median)

Vehicle cleaners clean vehicles, machinery, and other types of equipment.

The very first car wash opened in 1914 in Detroit, Michigan. It was called the "Automated Laundry." Ever since, car washes have been popular in America. So popular, in fact, that there was even a movie made in 1976 entitled - you guessed it - "Car Wash."

Vehicle cleaners often work at car washes. They begin their work by inspecting the item they are to clean. They assess how dirty the item is and whether there is damage. Vehicle cleaners use scrapers, brushes, soaps, water, or steam to wash the outside of vehicles. Sometimes cleaners take things apart in order to clean them thoroughly. They may soak some parts in cleaning solutions. When these parts are clean, cleaners put them back together. Vehicle cleaners polish some vehicles. They apply wax and remove it by hand or with a buffing machine. Vehicle cleaners may also apply paint to restore color or condition. To clean the inside of vehicles, cleaners use vacuums. They may also steam clean the seats and carpets. They may document exactly what type of cleaning they performed.

Vehicle cleaners operate cleaning equipment, such as pressure washers. They connect, disconnect, and clean the hoses on these machines. They also make sure that all cleaning equipment is working properly and report any problems to a supervisor. Vehicle cleaners mix cleaning solutions and make sure enough cleaning supplies are on hand.

Vehicle cleaners may do minor maintenance, such as check tire pressure and add water to the radiator. They may also replace windshield wiper blades and change tires. On new cars, vehicle cleaners remove protective coatings and plastic coverings.

Vehicle cleaners often drive vehicles to and from the cleaning area. Sometimes they pick up or deliver vehicles to customers. Vehicle cleaners usually are responsible for keeping their work area neat.


    

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