Hasibul moved to Finland three years ago and found part-time evening work through ISS at K-Citymarket. When his supervisor at ISS suggested that he could complete Gradia’s Maintenance cleaning services qualification unit, Hossain said yes. The practical work was already familiar to him, but he wanted to learn more, especially Finnish.

“I knew how to do the work in practice, but I didn’t have the theory. For example, I did not know the Finnish names of all the chemicals or cleaning tools. This training is an opportunity to expand my skills”, Hasibul says.

Choosing the right cleaning product depends on the surface and the dirt

The training has deepened Hasibul’s understanding of choosing cleaning products and understanding their pH values. In the studies, students learn whether a product is acidic, neutral or alkaline, and how strong or gentle it is for a certain surface.

“The lessons are very interesting. I have learned a lot about chemicals and professional cleaning methods. Choosing the right cleaning product depends on the surface and the dirt. You do not always need a cleaning product. Sometimes purified water is enough”, Hasibul says.

Hasibul has also learned the importance of occupational safety. With some products, you need to use protective gloves and safety glasses, especially when you mix the product.

The training has helped him to learn the names of cleaning tools and machines.

“Moppi (a mop). Harja (a brush). Yhdistelmäkone (a scrubber dryer). These were some of the first Finnish words in the field that I learned. Working and asking questions is easier when you know the right words.”

A good pace is important, even when there is a lot of work

At K-Citymarket Hasibul cleans many different spaces and surfaces. His working day can include cleaning service counters, equipment and floors. In a grocery store, careful cleaning is especially important because the work environment includes food and food preparation areas.

At his workplace, hygiene tests are carried out regularly to check bacteria levels, so the cleaning result must always be excellent. 

“A good cleaner is efficient, but also careful and patient. Even when there is a lot of work, you cannot work too fast. You must make sure that everything becomes clean. Not too fast, not too slow, but at the right pace”, Hasibul explains.

In language-supported training students can also get help in English

The Maintenance Cleaning Services qualification unit is intended for people whose first language is not Finnish. It is taught in Finnish, but students receive language support. This means that the student is not left alone with the language. Both a vocational teacher and a Finnish as a second language teacher are present in the lessons. Difficult topics can also be explained in English when needed.

During the training, students study maintenance cleaning, working life skills, communication and interaction skills and digital skills. In addition, students complete an emergency first aid certificate.

In the future, Hasibul would like to know Finnish so well that he could continue his studies and complete the full Vocational Qualification in Cleaning and Property Services in Finnish.

“If you want to learn more Finnish, I recommend this qualification unit. The studies are in Finnish, but you get support.”

In the future, Hasibul dreams of a peaceful everyday life and a family of his own.

“I want a family and children. I do not want life to be only about working”, Hasibul says.

Are you interested in cleaning services? Learn Finnish and build skills for cleaning work!

The next language-supported Maintenance cleaning services qualification unit at Gradia starts on 18 January 2027 in Jyväskylä. The application period is open from 10 August to 15 November 2026. 

More information about applying is available at https://opintopolku.fi/konfo/en/toteutus/1.2.246.562.17.00000000000000039766. Check the admission criteria and any possible fees in the training description.

The Maintenance Cleaning Services qualification unit has been designed as part of the International Vocational Talents – A Resource for Central Finland project. The aim of the project is to make it easier for people whose first language is not Finnish to find employment, access education and develop their skills. The project is funded by the European Union and the Economic Development Centre of Central Finland. The project is implemented by Gradia, Jypao and JKO.