There are plenty of great jobs for 16-year-olds in the UK right now, making it the perfect time to jump into the world of work.
We’re going to take a look at several different roles suitable for young people just kickstarting their careers:
Table of Contents
- Can 16-Year-Olds Work in the UK?
- How to Find a Job at 16 in the UK
- 15 Best Jobs for 16-Year-Olds in the UK
- Tips for Getting Hired at 16
- Get Ahead of the Game and Start Your Fitness Career Early at OriGym
If you enjoy staying active, you can turn your passion into a highly-rewarding career with a Personal Trainer Diploma. In a matter of weeks, you could be fully qualified to create bespoke workout programmes, helping clients meet their specific fitness goals.
Can 16-Year-Olds Work in the UK?
Yes, if you’re 16 years old, you can legally work in the UK. Getting your first job at this age is an exciting step toward independence, confidence, and exploring what kind of career paths genuinely interest you.
These roles could shape future careers and even your education. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know before applying for jobs:
Working Hours
It’s important to know how many hours you’re legally allowed to work at 16. These limits are designed for your safety, ensuring that it fits around your education and wellbeing.
How Many Hours Can You Work at 16?
If you’re still in full-time education, there are legal limits to how much you can work. These rules are designed to protect your health and wellbeing.
During Term Time
- Up to 12 hours per week
- 2 hours on school days and Sundays
- 8 hours on Saturdays
During School Holidays
- Up to 35 hours per week
- 8 hours per day (weekdays and Saturdays)
- 2 hours on Sundays
Breaks and Rest Periods
As a young worker, you’re also entitled to:
- A 30-minute break if you work more than 4.5 hours in a single shift
- 12 hours of rest between each working day
- 2 full days off per week (or at least 36 hours together if that’s not possible)
Types of Jobs You Can Do
At 16 years old, you can work in places like:
- Sports centres
- Gyms
- Shops
- Cafés
You can also take on roles in babysitting, delivery, riding and tutoring, to name a few.
There are, however, limitations to jobs for 16 year olds, for example, whilst under the age of 18, you will not be able to serve alcohol or operate heavy machinery.
Acas breaks down the legal limitations that employers must follow if they’re looking to hire 16 year olds.
Do You Need a National Insurance Number To Get a Job?
You’ll typically be sent your National Insurance number 3 months before your 16th birthday. Once this has been automatically generated, you can provide it to your employer once you’ve landed a job.
How to Find a Job at 16 in the UK
Good jobs for 16 year olds are advertised across a variety of platforms, so it’s always best to cast a wide net to increase your chances of finding employment.
In this section, we’re going to take a look at some of the best practices you can implement during your search:
Best Job Search Websites and Apps
One of the easiest ways to find good-paying jobs for 16-year-olds is to look at online career boards.
Here are a few worth checking out:
If you would like to learn more, our blog on the Best Apps to Find Jobs can provide you with additional recommendations to help with your job hunting.
How to Ask Local Businesses
Not every job gets advertised online, and in many cases, simply showing up and introducing yourself in person can open the door to new opportunities. This method shows confidence, initiative, and genuine interest and is a great way to find jobs to get at 16.
Visit local shops, cafés, gyms, or leisure centres with a printed CV and a positive attitude. Even if they are not hiring at the moment, a good first impression can lead to future chances or referrals.
What to Include on Your CV with Little Experience
Being new to the job market doesn’t mean you can’t write a strong CV. Highlight:
- School achievements
- Extracurriculars
- Volunteering work
- Informal work like babysitting & tutoring
Include a short personal statement, your education, key skills such as teamwork, and references from teachers or coaches.
For entry-level jobs at 16, this CV format helps capture employers’ attention by highlighting your skills, enthusiasm, and potential.
If you are applying for jobs in gyms or sports settings, this guide on writing a fitness instructor CV provides guidance on what should be included.
15 Best Jobs for 16-Year-Olds in the UK
1. Retail Assistant
Average Salary: £23,000
Working as a retail assistant requires you to engage with customers and work alongside colleagues, resolving queries calmly and effectively. Entering these jobs at 16 can help you develop confidence, communication, and teamwork skills in a retail setting.
Pros:
- Flexible hours
- Develops customer service skills
- Often entry-level positions hiring
- Potential to progress to management roles
Best For:
Young people who enjoy interacting with others and want to gain work experience in a busy, fast-moving environment like supermarkets, fashion stores, or local shops.
2. Barista (Non-Alcoholic Cafés)
Average Salary: £20,000
Working as a barista can be a great part-time job for 16-year-olds, as it involves preparing drinks, handling customers’ orders, and keeping the workspace clean and organised.
This can help you develop time management, attention to detail, and customer service skills in a busy café setting.
Pros:
- Social and active work
- Good for building multitasking skills
- Can lead to hospitality career paths
- Barista training is a competitive skill
Best For:
Young people who enjoy working with others in a lively atmosphere and want to learn food and drink service skills.
3. Personal Trainer
Average Personal Trainer Salary
Did you know you can become a PT at 16? Working in this role you can train clients 1-to-1, creating exciting bespoke workout programmes, tailored to their specific needs.
It allows you to develop leadership, goal-setting, and coaching skills while gaining early experience in the fitness industry.
Pros:
- High earning potential
- Rewarding work helping others
- Flexible working hours
- Potential to become self-employed
Best For:
Fitness enthusiasts who want a long-term career helping others improve their health, strength, and confidence. If you’re passionate about fitness and helping others, you can learn about how to become a PT here.
4. Babysitter
Average Salary: £25,000
Babysitting is a great example of a part-time job for 16 year olds, as it involves caring for children, following routines, and ensuring their safety.
It allows you to develop responsibility, patience, and problem-solving skills in a home-based setting.
Pros:
- Flexible hours
- Builds responsibility
- Can be done locally
- Regular bookings & clients
Best For:
Responsible young people who enjoy caring for children, are patient, attentive and looking for flexible work they can fit around school or personal activities.
5. Sports Centre Assistant
Average Salary: £20,000
If you’re searching for an active job for 16 year olds, why not pursue a career as a Sports Centre Assistant?
This role involves tasks such as setting up equipment, helping customers, and keeping facilities clean and safe. Once employed, you’ll develop organisation, initiative, and practical teamwork skills in an active environment.
Pros:
- Active work environment
- Relevant for fitness careers
- Builds customer service skills
- Access free gym sessions
Best For:
Young people passionate about sport and fitness who want hands-on experience in gyms, pools, or leisure centres.
Learn more about our Level 2 Gym Instructor Course, to help kickstart a career in the health and fitness industry.
6. Restaurant/Kitchen Assistant
Average Salary: £19,000
Working as a kitchen assistant, you’ll be responsible for preparing ingredients, cleaning workstations, and following food hygiene rules.
You’ll learn how to become reliable, pay attention to detail, and work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen setting.
Pros:
- Develops teamwork skills
- Fast-paced environment
- An entry point into hospitality
- Learn food hygiene practices
Best For:
Young workers who enjoy hands-on, energetic work and want to explore roles in catering, cafés, or restaurants.
7. Lifeguard (With Training)
Average Salary: £19,000
Lifeguards watch over swimmers, enforce safety rules, and respond to emergencies when needed.
It’s a role where you can learn how to stay calm under pressure, make fast decisions, and take responsibility for others in a high-stakes environment.
Pros:
- Responsible role
- Active and outdoors
- Teaches valuable lifesaving skills
- Get a rescue certificate
Best For:
Strong swimmers with good focus and communication skills who want to help others stay safe in active environments.
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8. Tutor (e.g. Younger Students)
Average Salary: £32,000
Tutoring offers flexible hours and decent pay, making it a great choice for teens. If you’re looking for good-paying jobs for 16 year olds, this is the perfect option for confident individuals who are keen to help others.
It’s a role where you can learn how to explain ideas clearly, build confidence in others, and strengthen your academic skills in the process.
Pros:
- Good pay for part-time work
- Builds teaching and communication skills
- Flexible scheduling
- Improve school subject knowledge
Best For:
Academically strong individuals who enjoy helping others learn and want to build experience in education or mentoring.
You can advertise your tutoring services on sites like Superprof where you can choose the subjects you want to teach, and connect with students looking for help in areas you’re confident in:
9. Delivery Assistant (Bike or Walking Delivery)
Average Salary: £21,000
Delivery assistants transport food and parcels locally, often by bike or on foot. It’s a role where you can learn how to manage your time, work independently, and stay motivated while navigating different areas.
Pros:
- Active work
- Flexible hours
- No driving license needed
- Work outdoors every day
Best For:
Physically active and independent young individuals who prefer working outdoors and want flexible hours that they can manage around school or other commitments.
10. Yoga Assistant
Average Yoga Instructor Salary
Yoga assistants help set up classes, greet clients, and keep the studio clean and calm.
In this role, you can learn how to create a welcoming atmosphere, support others, and develop a strong sense of mindfulness and professionalism.
Pros:
- Calm and wellness-focused environment
- Introduction to fitness careers
- Builds customer service skills
- Gain studio experience
Best For:
Young job seekers interested in mindfulness, wellness, and fitness who want to gain experience in studio-based roles.
If you’re passionate about wellness and want to gain hands-on experience in a studio setting, you can learn more about Level 3 Yoga Teacher Courses that can introduce you to the world of teaching and practice.
11. Gardening or Yard Work
Average Salary: £22,000
Gardening assistants perform outdoor tasks like mowing lawns, weeding flowerbeds, and planting new greenery.
The job helps you build practical skills, improve physical stamina, and gain a sense of achievement from working in natural surroundings.
Pros:
- Outdoor physical work
- Builds practical skills
- Flexible and seasonal
- Work hands-on outside
Best For:
Young individuals who enjoy working outdoors, are hands-on and want to gain independence through practical, self-directed tasks.
12. Ice Cream Server
Average Salary: £20,000
Ice cream servers sell and serve ice cream in shops or vans, mainly during summer. It’s one of the best jobs for 16 year olds in the UK during the school holidays, offering a fun and flexible way to earn money while learning customer service, handling cash, and working in a fast-paced setting.
Pros:
- Fun, social work
- Seasonal, great for summer
- Flexible hours
Best For:
Outgoing young job seekers who are looking for a fun summer job that involves interacting with customers in a friendly, fast-paced setting.
13. Social Media Assistant
Average Salary: £22,000
Social media assistants help businesses create content, respond to comments, and schedule posts across different platforms.
The position helps you build creativity, digital communication skills, and an understanding of how brands grow their online presence.
Pros:
- Creative and flexible
- Develops digital skills
- Good pay for part-time work
- Learn social media skills
Best For:
Tech-savvy young starters who enjoy creating content, who understand trends and are interested in digital marketing or communications.
14. Theme Park Worker
Average Salary: £20,000
Theme park workers operate rides, assist guests, or work in retail and food outlets. The experience helps you build teamwork, resilience, and customer service skills while working in a fun and fast-paced environment.
Pros:
- Energetic and fun environment
- Flexible and seasonal
- Develops customer service skills
- Meet new people daily
Best For:
You’ll enjoy this role if you’re friendly and outgoing, enjoy high-energy environments, and want a fun summer or holiday job.
15. Freelance or Online Gigs (e.g. Surveys, Simple Design)
Average Salary: Varies
Online gigs include tasks like filling out surveys, creating simple designs, or writing content.
They’re a flexible way to earn money from home while building digital skills, self-motivation, and experience with freelance-style work.
Pros:
- Flexible hours
- Work from home
- Builds entrepreneurial skills
- Earn money from home
Best For:
Independent young job hunters who are confident working online, managing their own time, and want to explore self-employed or creative projects.
Tips for Getting Hired at 16
What to Wear to an Interview
Your outfit can say a lot before you even speak. Dressing appropriately shows employers that you are serious about the role and ready to make a good impression.
You do not need to wear a full suit, but aim for neat, clean, and smart-casual clothing. A polo shirt or blouse with dark trousers or a skirt works well.
You should also check whether the interview requires you to wear specific items of clothing, for example, if you’re going to a gym, do you need to bring activewear? Researching these details in advance can make all the difference.
How to Talk About Your Skills (Even if It’s Your First Job)
You might not have had a job yet, but that does not mean you lack experience. Employers want to see that you are responsible, willing to learn, and ready to work hard.
Think about times you have shown initiative, such as organising a school event, playing on a sports team, or completing something like the Duke of Edinburgh Award. These examples show soft skills like communication, time management, and problem-solving.
Rather than saying:
“I’ve never worked.”
Try saying:
“At school, I often help others in group projects, which has built my teamwork skills.”
How you present your experience can make all the difference. If you would like to learn more, check out our blog on How to Answer Personal Trainer Interview Questions.
Building Confidence and Professionalism
Confidence often comes from doing, not just thinking. The more experience you gain, the more comfortable and capable you will feel in a work environment.
It is completely normal to feel nervous when starting out. One of the best ways to build confidence is through real-world experience, even if it is unpaid. Volunteering in a gym, shadowing a coach, or helping at community events shows initiative and helps you understand what it is like to work with others in a professional setting.
You can also check out our guide on personal training work experience to see how early involvement can give you a real advantage later on.
Get Ahead of the Game and Start Your Fitness Career Early at OriGym
If you are 16 and passionate about fitness, now is the perfect time to take your first steps towards becoming a personal trainer. Beginning your fitness journey at 16 gives you a competitive edge, helping you gain real-world experience and start developing your skills before most others
Ready to take the next step? OriGym’s Personal Training Diploma gives you everything you need to start a highly successful career creating bespoke training programmes for your clients.
Learn more about the course by downloading our full prospectus to see how OriGym can help you turn your passion into a career.
