Kickstart you career with a summer job and earn extra cash

23 May 2024 , 22:16
656     0
Plus some top tips for job hunting
Plus some top tips for job hunting

THE weather is finally getting warmer – and the summer jobs market is hotting up too.

The last May Bank Holiday is the traditional time to start ­searching for a seasonal role, and the latest figures show there are almost 16,000 available across the UK.

Latest figures show there are almost 16,000 seasonal roles available across the UK qhiqquiqekiqxdprw
Latest figures show there are almost 16,000 seasonal roles available across the UKCredit: Alamy
Kahera McDonald started working at the London Eye aged 21 and is now, at 28, the senior ride manager
Kahera McDonald started working at the London Eye aged 21 and is now, at 28, the senior ride managerCredit: Darren Fletcher

Although numbers are lower than last year, there are still plenty of positions in key industries, including hospitality, cleaning, education, sports and administration.

Taking a summer position can be a great way to gain experience, get back into work, or to earn extra cash to beat the cost-of-living ­crisis.

Jobs board Adzuna has reported a spike in roles for catering, sales and retail, which are ideal for those who are entering work for the first time.

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Co-founder Andrew Hunter explained: “For young jobseekers, summer jobs also provide valuable experience and connections, setting you up for future success.”

You can use temp work to try out a new sector. Just like Christmas employment, around one in eight summer positions leads to a permanent job offer.

Merlin Entertainments is a huge seasonal employer with hundreds of roles available at top attractions including Chessington, Alton Towers and Warwick Castle.

The jobs are open to anyone over the age of 16 with completed GCSEs and include lifeguards, housekeeping, sales and admissions, ride operators and retail assistants.

Kahera McDonald started working at the London Eye aged 21, with a summer job delivering VIP experiences, and now, at 28, is the senior ride manager.

She said: “A summer job is a starting point, and we must begin somewhere.

“Even if it is only for a short period of time, it is important to enjoy the process, be open to new experiences, learn, grow and absorb the opportunities that come your way.

"You don’t know where they could lead.

“I never thought I would be in a role like this long-term but the opportunities that I have had the privilege of experiencing and the relationships that I have built at the London Eye have truly shaped me into the person that I am today.”

You can apply for a role with Merlin at merlincareers.com.

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A Department of Work and Pensions spokesman said: “Summer jobs are a brilliant first step for people into the world of work, or a stepping stone for those moving back into employment.

“If you’re keen to get stuck in this summer, go online to the Find a Job website or speak to your local Jobcentre to see what exciting options are out there.”

SIX QUICK WAYS TO START YOUR SUMMER JOB SEARCH

SPRUCE UP INCOME

HOUSEHOLDERS are tidying up their pads for summer entertaining – so if you have DIY or cleaning skills, it’s a chance to make extra cash.

Local services platform Airtasker reports demand for cleaners is up 250 per cent, gardening 165 per cent and house painting requests have jumped by more than a third.

Hourly pay on the site ranges from £15 to £65, depending on the job, and you can work when it suits you.

Douglas Toy, Airtasker UK country manager, said: “With the delay in the hot weather this spring, we expect to see people planning summer spruce-ups from now until July.”

For further details about jobs available see airtasker.com/uk/earn-money.

ENJOY PARK LIFE

LOVE to be beside the seaside?

Then a summer job in a holiday park could be for you.

If you love the seaside a summer job in a holiday park could be for you
If you love the seaside a summer job in a holiday park could be for youCredit: Alamy

Haven has 361 positions, including sports and Leisure Assistants, Chefs and Grounds and Garden Team Members.

A spokesman said: “If you’ve just finished School, College or Uni or just want to earn some extra cash, we have summer jobs available.”

For details, see jobs.haven.com/search.

BUTLINS has vacancies for Cleaners, Bar Managers, Funfair Team Members and Electricians.

See jobs.butlins.com.

PONTINS and sister firm BRITANNIA HOTELS is hiring Beauty Therapists, Cleaners, Bar Staff and Cafe Attendants.

Discover the full range of roles at britanniahotels.com/careers-in-hospitality.

BAG THAT SUMMER POSITION

WITH fewer summer jobs around this year, competition will be tougher.

A spokesman from recruiters Pertemps said: “Not only is the summer a great time for garden parties, but it’s also a peak time for work.

Bag a summer job with our insider tips
Bag a summer job with our insider tipsCredit: Getty

“Many industries have a huge rise in traffic and sales over the summer holidays, meaning vacancies also increase.”

Here are the firm’s insider tips to secure the job you want.

Jane Hamilton

Travel Deals, The Sun Newspaper, Summer, Small Business, Longtail, jobs, Employment, Cost of living

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