When Yvonne Percival started her first cleaning job as a teenager on the West Coast, she never imagined she would still be in the industry 48 years later. Yvonne’s trainer, who had high standards and demanded perfection, instilled in her a strong work ethic and attention to detail that she carries to this day.
After moving to Wellington, Yvonne started cleaning part-time at motels, to work around her young children. A few years later, she started working with Chris Begley at United Cleaning as a night supervisor and was soon promoted to customer service manager.
After a few years, Yvonne left to pursue a business degree and then reconnected with Chris, who is now part owner of Wellington Kleenrite. He asked her to join him, and two decades later, she is still with Kleenrite, as the Customer Services Manager. “The rest is history,” she says. “I didn’t plan it this way; it just happened.”
Born in Wairoa and raised on the West Coast, Yvonne’s passion for training others has become one of her most rewarding roles. She has guided many staff members through their qualifications over the years, often surprising them with how much they already know. “I keep saying cleaning isn’t Einstein material, but you’ve got to do it and be present because things can go wrong quickly.”
When Yvonne first entered the industry, formal training was non-existent, but the introduction of Careerforce changed that. Yvonne recalls two women writing the first unit standards, followed by the release of a training video that she still finds relevant today.
Qualifications are just as important as upskilling and on-the-job training, she says. “I’ve been an assessor for years, and we train our staff to Level 2 Unit Standards. It’s crucial they’ve been with us for at least a year to determine if they’re committed. “My own qualifications were so old I had to redo them because they couldn’t find me in the system!” she laughs.
Over the years, Yvonne has witnessed numerous changes in the industry, including an emphasis on sustainability and recycling, which she wholeheartedly supports. Her biggest motivation remains the people she works for and with. “I’ve met some of the most interesting people in this industry and some of my clients have turned into lifelong friends. And with staff, I’ve seen a melting pot of cultures come together.”
When employing new team members, she says it’s important to discover why they are entering the industry and whether they have enough motivation to commit. “In the cleaning industry, the career path is not well known or advertised, but promotions are based on merit,” she says. “To become a supervisor, you must earn your position by proving your ability to care for both clients and staff. You need to have empathy for your team and listen to their woes, but not take them onboard.”
She says the golden rule in cleaning is to do what you say you’re going to do. “Commitment is essential in this industry, as it reveals your true self in the end.”
Yvonne’s journey is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and the lasting impact one person can have on an entire workforce. And while she may not have planned it this way, Yvonne’s legacy in cleaning is undeniable.
