Clean Start at the Cleaning Show: Inspiring the Next Generation

admin903704
May 9
2 min read

The Clean Start Initiative, launched by the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) in 2021, is all about reimagining how the cleaning industry is seen - and more importantly, how it’s understood by the next generation.

Designed to break away from tired stereotypes and showcase the real scope and professionalism of our sector, Clean Start connects directly with young people through school engagement, career fairs, mock interviews, and industry-led experiences that spotlight the career paths available across cleaning, facilities, and support services.

This year, for the first time ever, Clean Start partnered with The Cleaning Show 2025 to bring students into the heart of the industry - and the results were nothing short of inspiring.

A Day to Remember at The Cleaning Show

On 20th March 2025, Clean Start welcomed 50 students from Highams Park School, London to ExCeL for a day designed to open their eyes to the real opportunities in the cleaning sector.

What started with mild curiosity quickly turned into excitement as students took part in a structured programme of live workshops, demos, and stand visits, including:

Drone demonstrations with CAM Specialist Support
A hands-on robotics and co-botics experience from ICE
Insightful sustainability sessions and stand tours with exhibitors
A careers-focused workshop led by Gary Havens (Birkin) and volunteers across the sector

Students explored the full supply chain - from machines to management - engaging with real professionals and discovering how their personal interests could align with roles in sales, engineering, science, sustainability, operations, and more.

Even students who weren’t initially excited to attend said they were leaving with a totally new outlook. One teacher commented, “They came in unsure, and they’re leaving inspired. That says everything.”

A Collaboration Across the Sector

What made this event truly special was the collaborative effort behind the scenes. The day was supported by:

CSSA’s Clean Start team
Volunteers from the industry and exhibtors
Workshop and demo hosts from across the exhibition
And the incredible support of The Cleaning Show organisers, who embraced the idea wholeheartedly

It was a UK-wide industry collaboration - suppliers, service providers, and educators all working together to shape a positive experience for future talent.

More Than a Day – A Movement

The Cleaning Show visit is just one part of a wider initiative. Over the past two years, Clean Start has:

Attended careers fairs at schools across the UK
Delivered mock interviews, online prep sessions, and in-school talks to help students understand the diverse paths available
Brought together service providers, machinery specialists, window cleaners, and educators to share one clear message:👉 This industry is professional, essential, and open to everyone.