1 Social construction of skill viewed through the lens of training for the cleaning industry Erica Smith, University of Ballarat Abstract Most people would agree that an objective measurement of skill in work is not possible. Many perceptions of what is skilled work privilege ‘male’ over ‘female’ occupations, and pre-1950 industrial and craft jobs over more recently-established and service sector jobs. Theories of social construction of skill centre around claim-making by interest groups, structural conditions that allow or prevent such claims, and the institutionalisation of those claims. As skill cannot be measured objectively, the social construction of skill takes on immense significance in defining what are worthy and non-worthy occupations, and the training that is available and valued within those occupations. A recent NCVER-funded research project on traineeships involved the author in a case study of training in the cleaning industry. The levels of skill and underpinning knowledge in cleaning jobs were at odds with the low status of the industry. Some responses clearly revealed attitudes coloured by social construction and perceptions of labour aristocracy. One effect of these views was a sort of ‘false consciousness’ among some cleaning workers. Views about cleaning training varied from ‘a bit of a shadowy thing’ to ‘meaningful training… (which) should lead to a career path .. and a more sustainable and better workforce.’ Introduction Beliefs about the value of different types of work are closely linked to the training system as those occupations deemed to be skilled have traditionally attracted qualifications and government funding for those undertaking such qualifications. In Australia apprenticeships are the most obvious example of this process although over the last twenty years many other fields of work have joined the ranks of credentialed occupations through the traineeship system. Cleaning is an