House Keeper

ITI Housekeeper Trade Syllabus (English)

The ITI "Housekeeper" trade is a one-year vocational training program under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), governed by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). This course equips trainees with skills in cleaning, organizing, laundry management, and basic hospitality to maintain hygienic and aesthetically pleasing environments in residential and commercial settings. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical housekeeping techniques, and employability skills to prepare students for roles such as housekeepers, room attendants, or facility supervisors in homes, hotels, offices, or guest houses, or as self-employed professionals offering cleaning and maintenance services.

Course Overview

• Duration: 1 year (2 semesters, each 6 months)
• NSQF Level: Level 4
• Eligibility: Minimum 8th grade pass (or equivalent)
• Objective: To train individuals in professional cleaning, organization, and hospitality practices to ensure safe, comfortable, and appealing indoor environments.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown (English)

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)

Covers foundational concepts in housekeeping, hygiene, and facility maintenance.

• Semester 1
  
  • Introduction to Housekeeping
    
    • Overview of housekeeping: role in homes, hotels, offices, guest houses.
    • Importance: hygiene, aesthetics, guest satisfaction, safety.
    • Career opportunities: domestic, hospitality, corporate sectors.
  • Housekeeping Environment
    
    • Types of premises: residential, commercial, institutional.
    • Areas of focus: living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, public spaces.
    • Housekeeping departments: roles, coordination with other staff.
  • Hygiene and Safety
    
    • Personal hygiene: grooming, handwashing, use of aprons, gloves.
    • Environmental hygiene: preventing contamination, odor control.
    • Safety practices: handling chemicals, fire safety, avoiding slips/trips.
  • Cleaning Techniques and Equipment
    
    • Cleaning methods: dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, polishing.
    • Equipment: brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners, scrubbers – uses, maintenance.
    • Cleaning agents: detergents, disinfectants, polishes – types, safe handling.
  • Laundry Management
    
    • Fabrics: cotton, silk, wool – properties, washing requirements.
    • Laundry process: sorting, washing, drying, ironing, stain removal.
    • Equipment: washing machines, dryers, ironing boards – operation, care.
  • Basic Hospitality
    
    • Guest interaction: greeting, addressing requests, maintaining privacy.
    • Room setup: bed making, arranging furniture, aesthetics.
    • Etiquette: professionalism, time management, confidentiality.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Cleaning Techniques
    
    • Deep cleaning: carpets, upholstery, windows, high dusting.
    • Disinfection: sanitizing kitchens, bathrooms, high-touch surfaces.
    • Eco-friendly cleaning: biodegradable agents, water conservation.
  • Interior Maintenance
    
    • Furniture care: wood, metal, upholstery – cleaning, polishing.
    • Floor maintenance: marble, tiles, wood – cleaning, waxing.
    • Wall care: removing stains, repainting basics, wallpaper cleaning.
  • Waste Management
    
    • Waste types: organic, inorganic, recyclable, hazardous (e.g., batteries).
    • Segregation: using bins, proper disposal methods.
    • Composting: basics of organic waste recycling.
  • Pest Control
    
    • Common pests: cockroaches, rodents, ants – identification, risks.
    • Prevention: sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness.
    • Control methods: traps, baits, safe chemical use.
  • Facility Management Basics
    
    • Inventory control: tracking cleaning supplies, linens, equipment.
    • Budgeting: costing supplies, minimizing wastage.
    • Maintenance: reporting repairs (plumbing, electrical) to supervisors.
  • Professional Skills
    
    • Entrepreneurship: starting a cleaning or housekeeping service.
    • Customer service: handling complaints, customizing services.
    • Industry trends: smart cleaning devices, sustainable practices.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)

Focuses on practical cleaning, laundry, and organization in simulated settings.

• Semester 1
  
  • Personal Hygiene Practice
    
    • Demonstrating hygiene: handwashing, wearing aprons, gloves.
    • Maintaining appearance: adhering to uniform, grooming standards.
    • Practicing safety: using PPE, avoiding chemical mishandling.
  • Cleaning Techniques
    
    • Dusting: wiping furniture, shelves, electronics in mock rooms.
    • Mopping: cleaning floors (tiles, wood) with detergents, disinfectants.
    • Vacuuming: operating machines for carpets, curtains in labs.
  • Equipment Handling
    
    • Using tools: brooms, mops, dusters for various surfaces.
    • Operating machines: vacuum cleaners, polishers, checking functionality.
    • Storing equipment: organizing tools, agents in designated spaces.
  • Laundry Practice
    
    • Sorting fabrics: separating colors, delicates, whites.
    • Washing: using machines, handwashing for delicate items.
    • Ironing: pressing clothes, linens, ensuring crease-free results.
  • Room Setup
    
    • Bed making: tucking sheets, arranging pillows neatly.
    • Organizing spaces: setting furniture, tidying mock living areas.
    • Decor basics: arranging flowers, curtains for aesthetics.
  • Project Work
    
    • Cleaning a mock room: dusting, mopping, organizing furniture.
    • Documenting tasks: preparing checklists, reporting supply needs.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Cleaning
    
    • Deep cleaning: shampooing carpets, scrubbing grout in bathrooms.
    • Sanitizing: disinfecting kitchens, toilets in mock setups.
    • Window cleaning: using squeegees, removing smudges, streaks.
  • Interior Maintenance
    
    • Polishing furniture: applying wax, oils for wood, metal surfaces.
    • Floor care: buffing tiles, waxing hardwood in simulations.
    • Stain removal: treating fabric, wall stains with appropriate agents.
  • Waste Management
    
    • Segregating waste: sorting recyclables, organic waste in bins.
    • Composting: setting up small compost units for kitchen scraps.
    • Disposing hazardous items: handling batteries, chemicals safely.
  • Pest Control Practice
    
    • Inspecting premises: identifying pest signs in mock environments.
    • Applying controls: setting traps, using sprays in controlled labs.
    • Maintaining hygiene: cleaning to prevent pest breeding.
  • Facility Management
    
    • Managing supplies: checking stock, refilling cleaning agents.
    • Reporting issues: documenting plumbing, electrical faults.
    • Organizing schedules: planning daily, weekly cleaning tasks.
  • Project Work
    
    • Simulating a full house cleaning: multiple rooms, laundry, waste disposal.
    • Presenting a portfolio: including task logs, photos, client feedback forms.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Provides mathematical and scientific support for housekeeping tasks.

• Semester 1
  
  • Arithmetic: calculating cleaning agent quantities, room areas.
  • Measurements: converting volumes for detergents, fabric lengths.
  • Science: chemical properties of cleaning agents, hygiene principles.
• Semester 2
  
  • Calculations: estimating supply costs, waste volumes.
  • Ratios: mixing cleaning solutions, maintaining concentrations.
  • Science: pest biology, fabric chemistry, environmental impact.

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on diagrammatic representation for housekeeping layouts (minimal focus).

• Semester 1: Sketching room layouts, cleaning zones.
• Semester 2: Designing storage areas, waste segregation plans.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness and soft skills.

• Semester 1
  
  • Communication skills: interacting with clients, supervisors.
  • Time management: prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines.
  • Basic IT skills: using apps for scheduling, inventory tracking.
• Semester 2
  
  • Entrepreneurship: planning a cleaning service business.
  • Teamwork: collaborating with other staff, contractors.
  • Problem-solving: addressing client complaints, equipment issues.

Assessment and Certification

• Examinations: Conducted semester-wise with theoretical and practical components.
• Certification: Successful candidates receive the National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT, recognized nationally and internationally.
• Evaluation: Based on cleaning proficiency, organization skills, hygiene practices, and project work.

Career Opportunities

• Employment: Housekeeper, room attendant, facility supervisor in homes, hotels, offices, or guest houses.
• Self-Employment: Starting a cleaning service, laundry business, or home organization consultancy.
• Further Studies: Diploma in Housekeeping, Hospitality Management, or Facility Management.

Note

• This syllabus aligns with the latest NCVT guidelines and may vary slightly based on institutional or state-specific requirements.
• For the most current version, refer to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) or consult your local ITI.