Courses
Servitech Training
Courses & Services
Training for the people who keep facilities clean and running smoothly.
Servitech Training delivers practical, instructor-led training on-site, anywhere in British Columbia. Every course can be adapted to your team’s experience, your facility and your organization’s procedures.
Colleges & educational facilities · First Nations & communities · Municipal & institutional facilities · Cleaning companies & organizations
Certificate Programs
Six in-depth programs, from Building Service Worker (BSW) 1 through to Supervision.
Professional Development
Short Courses & Professional Development
Focused sessions on specific skills and safety topics.
Certificate Programs
Core Training Programs.
Six practical programs, including the Building Service Worker (BSW) certificate courses, delivered on-site and adapted to your team. Open any course to see what it covers.
BSW 1: Basic Commercial Cleaning
16–28 hours
Foundational instruction in safe, effective commercial cleaning practices.
Course overview
An introduction to the skills required to work in the building service custodial field, including the chemistry of cleaning, chemical safety, chemical measuring and industry generic chemicals: how chemicals work, kinds of soil, the cleaning process, detergents and the pH scale.
Topics covered
- WHMIS/GHS
- Attitudes and motivation
- Ground rules for custodians
- Safety: WHMIS, blood-borne pathogens and sharps, hantavirus safety, safe lifting and general safety
- Basic cleaning chemistry
- Office and classroom cleaning
- Hard floor care: sweeping, dust mopping, damp/spot mopping and wet mopping
- Vacuuming
- Trash handling
- Washroom cleaning
- Common area cleaning
- Glass and mirror cleaning
- Inspections and supervision
Certificate
Students who successfully complete the course, including written and skills demonstration exams, receive a BSW – Level 1 Certificate. This certificate is often a prerequisite or preferred qualification for employment with school boards, recreation centres, institutions and private cleaning companies.
Course format
85% in-class instruction, including practical demonstrations and training videos, and 15% hands-on practice. Each student receives a manual containing the course content for future reference.
Requirements
Basic English reading and writing skills.
Course length
16–28 hours, depending on whether WHMIS is included and other factors.
Equipment supplied
Servitech supplies the equipment used in training, with specialty equipment arranged as needed.
BSW 2: Hard Floor Care
16–20 hours
Techniques, equipment, chemistry and products for commercial hard floor maintenance with hands on instruction.
Course overview
Familiarizes students with the techniques, equipment, chemistry and products used in floor maintenance.
Topics covered
- The chemistry of floor care products, and the importance of using a system for floor sanitation and gloss maintenance
- Correct maintenance procedures for virtually all types of commercial resilient and hard-surface flooring, including linoleum, VCT tile, vinyl sheet goods, concrete, ceramic and porcelain quarry tile, and wood
- Scrubbing, stripping, sealing and finishing; routine day-to-day maintenance, rotational maintenance and restoration, including UHS burnishing
- Characteristics and application of sealers, finishes and restorers
- Equipment, including power floor machines and attachments: how they work, demonstrations, hands-on practice and choosing the best machine for the job
Certificate
Students who successfully complete the course, including written and practical testing, receive a Certificate: BSW 2 – Hard Floor Maintenance.
Course format
30% in-class instruction, including practical demonstrations and training videos, and 70% hands-on practice. Each student receives a manual containing the course content for future reference. High-speed burnishers and rectangular orbital machines are covered through video instruction rather than hands-on practice.
Requirements
Completion of BSW 1 (Basic Commercial Cleaning) and basic English reading and writing skills.
Course length
16–20 hours.
Equipment supplied
Servitech supplies the equipment used in training, with specialty equipment arranged as needed.
BSW 3: Commercial Carpet Cleaning
16 hours
Modern methods for daily and periodic commercial carpet care.
Course overview
Covers the most modern methods for daily and periodic commercial carpet care, including a detailed examination of systems, chemistry and equipment.
Topics covered
- Carpet care systems, chemistry and equipment
- Preventative cleaning
- Interim cleaning
- Restorative cleaning
- Spot removal
- Odour control
Certificate
Students who successfully complete the course receive a Certificate: BSW 3 – Commercial Carpet Care.
Course format
30% classroom instruction, including demonstrations and videos, and 70% hands-on practice. Students receive a manual containing detailed course content for future reference.
Requirements
Completion of BSW 1 (Basic Commercial Cleaning), and basic English reading and writing skills.
Course length
16 hours.
Equipment supplied
Servitech supplies the equipment used in training, with specialty equipment arranged as needed.
Hospitality: Hotel & Camp Attendant
8–16 hours
For people seeking work in hotel, motel and work camp housekeeping, or verifying their competency in it.
Course overview
Geared to individuals who wish to obtain employment or verify their competency in hotel, motel and work camp housekeeping. The course helps students meet the standards established by Tourism HR Canada and was designed with input from local industry.
Topics covered
- Cleaning responsibilities: preparing the cart, stocking the linen closet, using cleaning materials and tools, cleaning guest rooms, carrying out rotational cleaning duties, linen handling and bed making
- Restroom sanitation
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Guest relations: communication, security and handling complaints
- Industry terminology
- Professional standards: policies, legislation and grooming
Certificate
Students who pass the course receive a Certificate of Successful Completion and certification. Each student is given a manual for future reference.
Course format
60% classroom instruction and 40% practical experience, with an occasional field trip to a hotel or camp.
Requirements
Completion of BSW 1 (Basic Commercial Cleaning) and basic English speaking, reading and writing skills.
Course length
8–16 hours.
Equipment supplied
Servitech supplies the equipment used in training, with specialty equipment arranged as needed.
Elder Care: Companion Program
8–16 hours
Training for companions who support older adults with everyday, non-medical tasks.
Course overview
Prepares companions to help older adults keep their homes clean, safe and comfortable. This program covers non-medical support only. It does not include nursing, medical or personal-care training and is not a healthcare qualification.
Who it is designed for
People working or preparing to work as companions or home-support helpers for older adults, and organizations that provide companion services.
Topics covered
- Keeping living spaces clean and safe
- Laundry and household routines
- Safe use of cleaning products in the home
- Respectful, patient communication
- Recognizing hazards around the home
- Knowing when to involve family or healthcare professionals
Requirements
Completion of BSW 1 (Basic Commercial Cleaning).
Course length
8–16 hours.
Delivery format
Instructor-led and delivered on-site at your facility, or at a location arranged with the hosting organization. Combines classroom instruction with demonstration and hands-on practice.
Equipment supplied
Servitech supplies the equipment used in training, with specialty equipment arranged as needed.
Certificate & completion
Students who complete the program receive a Servitech Certificate: Elder Care – Companion Program.
Customization
Content and length can be adapted to your facility, your team’s experience level and your organization’s procedures.
BSW Supervision
16–24 hours
Skills for leads and supervisors responsible for cleaning teams.
Course overview
For people who lead cleaning teams: how to set clear standards, check the work, and help staff do it well and safely.
Who it is designed for
Lead hands, supervisors and managers of cleaning and custodial teams, including staff moving into a supervisory role.
Topics covered
- Setting and communicating cleaning standards
- Inspections and quality checks
- Scheduling and workloading
- Training and coaching staff
- Safety oversight
- Working with facility managers and clients
Requirements
Completion of BSW 1 (Basic Commercial Cleaning).
Course length
16–24 hours.
Delivery format
Instructor-led and delivered on-site at your facility, or at a location arranged with the hosting organization. Combines classroom instruction with demonstration and hands-on practice.
Equipment supplied
Servitech supplies the equipment used in training, with specialty equipment arranged as needed.
Certificate & completion
Students who complete the course receive a Servitech Certificate: Building Service Worker Supervisor.
Customization
Content and length can be adapted to your facility, your team’s experience level and your organization’s procedures.
Professional Development
Short Courses & Professional Development.
Focused sessions on specific skills and safety topics. Select a course to see what it covers.
Microfibre Cleaning Presentation
1 hour
Overview
How microfibre cloths and mops remove soil, why they outperform traditional materials for many tasks, and how to use and care for them so they keep working.
Who it is for
Cleaning and custodial staff, and supervisors choosing tools for their teams.
Topics covered
- How microfibre removes soil
- Choosing cloths and mops for the task
- Colour-coding to prevent cross-contamination
- Folding and using cloths effectively
- Laundering and care
- When microfibre is not the right tool
Delivery
Delivered on-site as a presentation or short workshop. Can be combined with other short courses or a professional development day.
Cleaning Biohazards & Sharps Safety Training
1–2 hours
Overview
Safe procedures for cleaning staff who may come across blood, body fluids or discarded sharps at work. Training supports, and does not replace, your organization’s own exposure control procedures.
Who it is for
Cleaning, custodial and facility staff in schools, public buildings, accommodation and other shared spaces.
Topics covered
- Recognizing biohazards at work
- Choosing and using personal protective equipment
- Safe cleanup of blood and body fluid spills
- Handling and disposing of discarded sharps
- Following your organization’s procedures
- Reporting incidents
Delivery
Delivered on-site as a presentation or short workshop. Can be combined with other short courses or a professional development day.
Sustainable Green Cleaning
1–2 hours
Overview
Practical ways to reduce the environmental impact of cleaning without lowering standards.
Who it is for
Cleaning teams, supervisors and organizations working toward greener facility practices.
Topics covered
- What green cleaning means in practice
- Reducing chemical use
- Dilution control
- Reading product labels and environmental certifications
- Reducing waste and water use
- Tool and equipment choices
Delivery
Delivered on-site as a presentation or short workshop. Can be combined with other short courses or a professional development day.
WHMIS 2015
2 hours
Overview
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015) training for workers who use or handle cleaning chemicals.
Who it is for
Anyone who works with or around hazardous products, including new and current cleaning staff.
Topics covered
- The purpose of WHMIS 2015
- Hazard classes and pictograms
- Supplier and workplace labels
- Safety data sheets (SDS)
- Safe storage and handling
- Worker and employer responsibilities
Delivery
Delivered on-site as a presentation or short workshop. Can be combined with other short courses or a professional development day.
Team Cleaning
1–2 hours
Overview
An introduction to team cleaning, where staff work in coordinated roles rather than each person cleaning an area alone.
Who it is for
Cleaning teams, lead hands and supervisors looking for a more consistent, efficient way to organize work.
Topics covered
- How team cleaning works
- Roles and responsibilities
- Planning routes and sequences
- Tools and equipment for each role
- Communication within the team
- Checking results
Delivery
Delivered on-site as a presentation or short workshop. Can be combined with other short courses or a professional development day.
Professional Development Day Presentations
2–8 hours
Overview
Presentations for staff professional development days, chosen and tailored to your team.
Who it is for
Organizations planning a PD day for cleaning, custodial or facility staff.
Topics covered
- Topics drawn from Servitech’s training subjects, such as cleaning chemistry, floor care, microfibre, chemical safety and green cleaning
- Format suited to large or mixed groups
- Can be combined with a short course
- Can be customized to address particular problems in the facility
Delivery
Delivered on-site as a presentation or short workshop. Can be combined with other short courses or a professional development day.
Facility Assessment
Facility Audits & Consulting.
A closer look at how your facility is cleaned, with practical recommendations you can act on. All services are quoted to suit your facility.
Facility Audits
A professional review of current cleaning systems, procedures and facility needs, followed by practical recommendations.
Pricing: Custom quote
What an audit can include
- A walkthrough of the facility
- Review of current cleaning procedures, schedules and standards
- Review of products, equipment and storage
- Observation of cleaning practices
- A summary of findings with practical recommendations
- Optional ATP testing as part of the audit
ATP Testing
ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the universal life molecule) surface-testing services that may be included as part of a broader facility audit to help assess cleaning effectiveness.
Pricing: Custom quote
How it is used
ATP testing provides quick readings from surfaces after cleaning. It helps identify areas where cleaning is effective and areas that may need additional attention.
ATP testing is typically included as part of a facility audit. Before testing begins, we agree with your organization on the testing plan and how the results will be reported and shared.
Customized Consulting
Practical guidance for organizations seeking to improve cleaning procedures, equipment use, staff development or facility standards.
Pricing: Custom quote
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Our Courses.
Do I need to complete BSW 1 first?
BSW 1 (Basic Commercial Cleaning) is the prerequisite for BSW 2: Hard Floor Care, BSW 3: Commercial Carpet Cleaning, Hospitality: Hotel & Camp Attendant, the Elder Care Companion Program and BSW Supervision. Requirements are listed in each course’s details.
Does Servitech offer Building Service Worker (BSW) certificate courses?
Yes. Servitech delivers the Building Service Worker courses BSW 1, BSW 2 and BSW 3, plus BSW Supervision. Students who pass the BSW 1 written and skills demonstration exams receive a BSW Level 1 Certificate, which is often a prerequisite or preferred qualification for custodial work with school boards, recreation centres, institutions and cleaning companies. Read the BSW certificate guide.
Is this training for janitorial and custodial staff?
Yes. Building Service Worker is the term commonly used in British Columbia for trained custodians and janitors. The courses are built for custodial and janitorial staff, lead hands and supervisors who clean and maintain commercial, institutional and public buildings.
How long are the courses?
Course length is listed with each course. For example, BSW 2 is 16–20 hours and BSW 3 is 16 hours, most short courses run 1–2 hours, and Professional Development Day presentations run 2–8 hours.
Do students receive a certificate?
Each certificate program’s details list the certificate students receive. For example, students who successfully complete BSW 2, including written and practical testing, receive a Certificate: BSW 2 – Hard Floor Maintenance.
Is equipment supplied?
Servitech supplies the equipment used in training, with specialty equipment arranged as needed. High-speed burnishers and rectangular orbital machines are covered through video instruction rather than hands-on practice.
What is ATP testing?
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) testing provides quick readings from surfaces after cleaning. It helps identify areas where cleaning is effective and areas that may need additional attention, and it is typically included as part of a facility audit.
How are facility audits and consulting priced?
Facility audits, ATP testing and customized consulting are quoted to suit your facility.
ON-SITE TRAINING ACROSS BRITISH COLUMBIA
Bring Servitech to Your Facility.
Whether you are training new employees, strengthening an existing facility team, preparing participants for employment or addressing a specific cleaning challenge, Servitech can build training around your organization and working environment.
Training is available throughout British Columbia and can be customized to meet the needs of your team.