How graduates can build careers with impact at Rentokil Specialist Hygiene
Rentokil Specialist Hygiene (RSH) provides professional, deep-cleaning solutions for situations that are beyond the scope of a regular cleaner. We deal with high-stakes environments that require technical expertise, rapid response and a serious stomach for the unexpected, in other words, the "special ops" unit of the cleaning world. Our work is built on three core pillars:
Specialist disinfection: This isn't just about wiping down surfaces. It involves large-scale infection control, biohazard decontamination (think trauma or crime scenes), and responding to environmental crises such as sewage leaks or floods.
Commercial kitchen and technical hygiene: We ensure the back-of-house in major restaurants and food production facilities is safe and compliant. This includes high-level cleaning of ventilation systems and grease traps to prevent fire risks and ensure food safety.
Industrial and environmental cleaning: From removing graffiti and chewing gum to decontaminating industrial spills and managing "dirty protests" in custodial environments, we tackle the toughest cleaning challenges in the UK.
Joining the RSH Graduate Management Scheme
For those joining our Graduate Management Scheme, the role isn’t about sitting behind a desk; it is designed to turn ambitious graduates into industry specialists and future leaders.
Our Operations Director, Steve Willis, emphasises that we look for potential and adaptability over specific experience. As Steve explains, “We're always looking for people that want to learn about our business and build a career on the experience and training we provide.
“If you're willing to learn and grow, then Rentokil Specialist Hygiene would be a good fit for you.”
Here is what your structured, 12-month journey on the RSH Graduate Management Scheme will look like.
Months 1–3: Expert training and making an impact
When you start with us, you will work on the frontline as a hygiene technician and complete a 12-week training programme, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to deliver the services we provide for our customers. You will also have the opportunity to specialise early on in areas such as grease extracts, fire safety or air ventilation and work towards formally recognised external qualifications
Month 1: An introduction to the company, health and safety and basic training.
Month 2: You will gain exposure to and work on different service lines across the RSH portfolio (deep cleaning of kitchens and washrooms, specialist disinfection services, high-level cleaning, mould cleaning, and fire and flood cleanup).
Month 3: You will achieve the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 qualification.
Graduate trainee Jacob Rosser highlights the value of this early exposure: “Being involved in real projects and seeing how hygiene solutions are delivered to clients has helped me understand the impact our work has on public health, safety and business operations”.
He also notes that working alongside experienced colleagues has been vital for learning from their expertise and gradually building his own confidence in the field.
Months 4–9: Real-world problem solving and adaptability
In this period, you will be out in the field as a specialist hygiene technician, seeing many different environments and meeting diverse people
Month 4: You will work in a normal hygiene technician role, supporting standard service delivery.
Month 5: Gain initial experience across catering and air services (this may involve regional travel).
Month 6: Working to support standard service delivery, you will receive finance and commercial training and also be introduced to Key Accounts.
Month 7: You will get the chance to complete BESCA-approved certifications for AHT (Air Hygiene Technician) or GHT (Grease Hygiene Technician).
Month 8: Focus on catering service delivery across catering and air services (this may involve regional travel).
Month 9: You will attend a graduate assessment centre conducted by senior leadership within Rentokil Initial, where you will be expected to make a presentation on your journey with RSH so far.
This hands-on period is crucial for building deep business knowledge, cultural fit and “grit”. Steve Willis notes that this requires adaptability, “which might sometimes mean working a weekend or night shift to ensure customers' needs are met. This flexibility is exactly what helps you build strong customer relationships.”
Graduate Jacob Rosser found this period particularly valuable: “The combination of practical experience, problem-solving and contributing to meaningful outcomes has made the programme both engaging and professionally fulfilling.”
Months 10–12: Networking and career progression
As you approach the end of your first year, the focus shifts toward networking and taking your next career step.
Month 10: You shadow a sales consultant to get experience in prospect handling, account management, role plays, etc.
Month 11: Complete the Level 2 RSPH qualification. You will also receive HR training on managing colleagues.
Month 12: Shadow a service controller to understand how we manage services:
Week 1. Service control, job, state-of-service (SOS) and reactive work planning.
Week 2. Q&A's with your supervisor.
Week 3. Job planning and supervision.
Week 4. Boot camp lite, HR and productivity training.
You will also attend cross-divisional graduate events alongside peers from across Rentokil Initial. These events involve colleagues from graduate schemes throughout Rentokil Initial, including Rentokil Pest Control, Initial Washroom Hygiene, Urban Planters, and Rentokil Specialist Hygiene, where you can network, share experiences, and gain exposure to senior management.
At these events, colleagues will often be asked to participate in group work and deliver a presentation on what they’ve learned. There could also be a ‘Dragons Den’ presentation, where you will present ideas for business improvement.
Transitioning to new roles
Around month 12, graduates typically transition into their next roles, such as sales consultants or service team leaders (supervisors). As Steve Willis explains: "After this initial period and investment in your training, it's likely you would be able to find your next role within the business, where you would be applying your knowledge to lead the business forward."
Our current graduates have some top advice for this final stage of the first year.
Jacob Rosser says, “Stay open to learning, ask plenty of questions whilst networking at the graduate events as the senior managers are willing to help you learn and understand what is needed to succeed within Rentokil Initial.”
David Franklin advises graduates to “Work hard in your current role, but also keep yourself interested in other roles within the company so you are ready if an opportunity presents itself.”
Who fits in at RSH?
If you are considering joining RSH, here are the key traits and qualifications we look for in a candidate:
A strong willingness to learn: The company seeks people who want to learn about the business and use the extensive training provided to build a long-term career. RSH thrives on a culture that welcomes individuals with a "can-do " attitude and a genuine eagerness to grow.
Adaptability and grit: The business operates a fast-moving mix of reactive and planned works. Fitting in means being highly adaptable to meet client needs, which might occasionally require working a night shift, a weekend, or simply going the extra mile to solve a customer's problem.
Ambition and independence: Because the roles are performance-based, RSH needs individuals who arrive with bags of ambition and motivation. You should be prepared to work hard, get stuck in and think independently.
Join a culture of growth
The RSH culture is fast-moving, expert-led and highly supportive, welcoming individuals with a can-do attitude. We consistently reward success and offer fantastic benefits, from structured performance-based grading to uncapped commission potential.
To sum up the experience, we leave you with this punchy piece of advice from Connor Rothwell: "Get stuck in, as the more you learn early, the better!"
Ready to kick-start your career with us?
We are looking for ambitious individuals who hold a minimum 2:2 degree in a science-related field, business management, hospitality or a similar field, along with a full UK driving license.
To find out more about our next recruitment open day or to apply, please contact us at area-recruitment-uk@rentokil.com or visit www.jobs.rentokil-initial.co.uk
