Finding employment for 18 year olds can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s also an exciting chance to explore different career paths. To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of roles to help you choose the right fit!
Contents:
- Why Getting a Job at 18 Matters
- Entry-Level & Flexible Jobs for 18-Year-Olds
- Jobs That Build Long-Term Careers
- Seasonal & Alternative Jobs for 18-Year-Olds
- How to Find Job Openings for 18-Year-Olds
- Tips for Landing a Job at 18
- Launch Your Career in Fitness with OriGym
Start your journey towards a rewarding career today with our Level 3 Personal Trainer and get qualified in a matter of weeks!
Why Getting a Job at 18 Matters
Starting work at 18 is a powerful step towards more independence and future success. A job provides valuable work experience, financial stability, and the confidence that comes with earning your own income.
Early roles also help you develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management that employers across industries look for.Â
Whether you’re balancing a part-time role alongside studies or entering the workforce full-time, gaining employment at this age helps you build a strong foundation for your career.Â
By starting early, you can explore different industries, expand your professional network, and prepare for the next stage of adulthood with greater confidence and security.
Entry-Level & Flexible Jobs for 18-Year-Olds
Flexible or entry-level jobs for eighteen year olds is a great option for students, those seeking part time employment, or anyone who is just starting out. This type of work is ideal to grow your skills and experience, setting the foundations for a long-term career.
#1 – Retail Assistant
Working as a retail assistant is one of the most common first jobs for 18 year olds. The role typically involves helping customers, processing sales at the till, restocking shelves, and keeping the shop tidy. It’s a fast-paced environment that develops strong communication and problem-solving skills, while also teaching you how to handle money and work as part of a team.
Pros: Retail jobs are widely available, often flexible with part-time or weekend hours, and provide excellent experience dealing with the public. They also offer transferable skills such as customer service and teamwork, which are useful in almost any career.
Cons: The work can sometimes be repetitive, and peak times such as during weekends or holidays can be physically demanding. Pay rates may start at minimum wage, and progression opportunities can vary depending on the employer.
#2 – Hospitality Worker
- Hospitality Worker Average Salary: £18,000 – £24,000
A hospitality worker supports the smooth running of venues such as restaurants, cafés, hotels, and bars. Duties can include greeting and serving customers, taking orders, preparing food or drinks, cleaning tables, and assisting with events. It’s a varied and sociable role, making it one of the most popular jobs for eighteen year olds. It provides valuable first-hand experience in customer service, teamwork, and organisation.
Pros: Hospitality roles are widely available and often flexible, making them easy to fit around studies or other commitments. The fast-paced environment helps you build confidence, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills. For those interested in career progression, many employers provide training and opportunities to move into supervisory or management roles.
Cons: Shifts can involve long hours on your feet, and peak times such as weekends, evenings, and holidays are usually the busiest.Â
#3 – Supermarket Assistant
A supermarket assistant helps with the day-to-day running of a store, supporting customers and ensuring shelves are fully stocked. Tasks often include scanning items at the checkout, replenishing stock, tidying aisles, and occasionally working behind service counters. The role is varied, customer-facing, and gives you hands-on experience in a busy environment, making it a strong first job for building responsibility and time management.
Pros: Supermarket roles are widely available across the UK and are a popular form of employment for 18 year olds as they often have flexible hours to fit around studies or other commitments. The job develops valuable skills in teamwork, organisation, and customer service, while also offering the potential to progress into supervisory positions.
Cons: The work can involve long hours on your feet and dealing with high numbers of customers, especially during peak times. Shifts may include evenings, weekends, or early mornings, which can be challenging to balance with other commitments.
#4 – Delivery Driver / Courier
Working as a delivery driver or courier involves transporting goods, parcels, or food orders to customers. The role typically requires punctuality, good organisation, and a strong sense of responsibility to ensure items are delivered safely and on time.Â
With the rise of online shopping and food delivery apps, demand for drivers has grown, making it a popular form of employment for 18 year olds with a full driving licence or those working for bicycle courier services.
Pros: Flexible shifts are common, especially with food delivery apps, allowing you to fit work around studies or other commitments. The job builds independence, time management, and customer service skills. It can also provide consistent work opportunities in most towns and cities.
Cons: You may need your own vehicle, bike, or scooter, which can involve costs for fuel, insurance, and maintenance. The work can be physically demanding and income may vary depending on hours worked or number of deliveries completed.
#5 – Call Centre Agent
A call centre worker handles inbound or outbound calls, helping customers with enquiries, processing orders, or promoting products and services. The role demands patience, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.Â
It’s often based in an office environment with set shifts, putting it among structured jobs for 18 year olds, giving them valuable experience in professional communication and customer service.
Pros: Call centre jobs provide excellent training in communication, problem-solving, and sales skills that are transferable across many industries. They often have clear progression routes into supervisory or specialist roles, and can offer full-time or part-time contracts depending on your availability.
Cons: The work can be repetitive, and dealing with difficult or frustrated customers may feel challenging at times. Shifts may include evenings or weekends, and spending long hours at a desk.
Jobs That Build Long-Term Careers
Our next section on job opportunities for 18 year olds is ideal for those looking to invest in a career path and set themselves up for long-term employment.
#6 – Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer
- Average Fitness Instructor Salary: £23,000
- Average Personal Trainer Salary: £31,843
Fitness instructors and personal trainers help clients improve their health, fitness, and confidence through structured exercise programmes.Â
When you become a fitness instructor, you’ll often work on the gym floor, leading group workout classes, supporting members with equipment and providing corrections.
When you become a personal trainer, you’ll work one-to-one, creating tailored training plans to help clients reach specific goals. For 18-year-olds who are passionate about fitness, this role offers a chance to turn an interest into a rewarding career.Â
You’ll need accredited qualifications to pursue this career such as the Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer. However, you can achieve both of these in the quickest and most affordable way with a Personal Trainer Diploma.
Pros: It’s a highly motivating and social career that allows you to make a direct impact on people’s lives. You’ll develop various personal trainer skills such as excellent communication, coaching, and leadership while staying active at work. Both fitness instructing and personal training also offer strong earning potential and flexibility, with opportunities to be self-employed or progress into specialist areas.
Cons: Gaining qualifications is essential, which may involve upfront costs. However, providers such as OriGym provide payment plans to help with this! Hours can also include evenings or weekends to fit the schedules of your clients, and building a client base may take time, especially if working freelance.Â
Find out all about building your client base with our article: How To Get Clients As A Personal Trainer.
#7 – Apprentice (Various Sectors: Trade, Healthcare, IT, Business)
- Apprentice Average Hourly Pay: £7.55 (National Minimum Wage)
An apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn, combining paid work with formal training in a chosen sector. There are many job openings for 18 year olds across industries such as trades (plumbing, electrical, construction), healthcare, IT, and business administration. You’ll split your time between practical, hands-on experience and studying for a recognised qualification, making it a strong alternative to university or immediate full-time employment.
Pros: Apprenticeships provide a salary alongside funded training, meaning you avoid student debt while gaining valuable industry experience. They offer a direct route into skilled professions, and many apprentices are offered permanent roles once qualified.
Cons: Apprenticeships often involve lower starting pay compared to entry-level jobs, particularly in the first year. Balancing work and study can be demanding, and progression opportunities may vary depending on the employer or sector.
#8 – Healthcare Support / Care Assistant
A healthcare support worker or care assistant provides essential help to patients in hospitals, care homes, or community settings. The role may involve assisting with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, and eating, as well as offering companionship and emotional support.Â
You may also help nurses with basic clinical duties like checking vital signs or preparing equipment. It’s a meaningful career for 18 year olds that develops empathy and responsibility.
Pros: The role is highly rewarding, giving you the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. It builds strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and can be a stepping stone into further healthcare training, such as nursing or social care qualifications. Flexible shifts are often available, making it easier to balance work with other commitments.
Cons: The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, especially when supporting vulnerable individuals. Shifts often include evenings, weekends, or nights, and pay can start at entry-level rates.
#9 – Yoga Instructor
Becoming a yoga instructor is one of the most fulfilling careers for 18 year olds who are passionate about health, mindfulness, and fitness. You’ll lead classes, guide students through poses and breathing techniques, and help people improve flexibility, strength, and mental wellbeing. Many instructors work in gyms, studios, or even freelance, running sessions in community spaces or online.
Pros: Teaching yoga allows you to share your passion while supporting others in achieving their wellness goals. It’s a rewarding career that develops leadership, communication, and coaching skills. Flexible working hours are common.Â
There are also opportunities to enrol on further yoga teacher training courses, allowing you to specialise in areas such as hot or vinyasa yoga.
Cons: A recognised qualification such as the Level 3 Diploma in Yoga is mandatory which involves studying and passing exams. Thankfully, at OriGym we offer FREE unlimited resits and set no deadlines, allowing you to qualify at your own pace.Â
Find out more about gaining more students by checking out our article: How to Get More Yoga Students.
#10 – Hairdressing or Beauty Apprenticeship
- Hairdresser Average Hourly Pay: £12.21
A hairdressing or beauty apprenticeship is one of the most popular job opportunities for 18 year olds. This role provides a hands-on start to a career in the personal care industry while earning a wage and gaining qualifications.Â
As an apprentice, you’ll typically assist senior staff with tasks such as shampooing, preparing treatments, welcoming clients, and maintaining a clean workspace. Over time, you’ll develop technical skills in cutting, colouring, styling, or beauty treatments, while building confidence working directly with customers.Â
Pros: Apprenticeships allow you to learn from experienced professionals while avoiding tuition costs. You’ll gain practical, in-demand skills that can lead to long-term employment or even running your own salon in the future. The beauty sector is creative, people-focused, and offers plenty of scope for progression.
Cons: Starting pay can be low, particularly in the first year of an apprenticeship. Hours may include evenings and weekends, and the physical nature of the role can be demanding.
#11 – Sports Massage Therapist
A sports massage therapist works with clients to reduce muscle tension, aid recovery, and prevent injury through specialised massage techniques.Â
When you become a sports massage therapist, you’ll combine anatomy knowledge with practical skills, often supporting athletes, gym-goers, and people recovering from physical strain. For those passionate about fitness and wellbeing, this can be one of the most rewarding jobs for 18 year olds who want to start a career in the health and fitness industry.
Pros: The role allows you to make a real impact on people’s performance and quality of life. It’s a flexible career with opportunities to work in gyms, sports clubs, spas, or even as a self-employed therapist. It also provides a strong foundation for gaining valuable sports massage qualifications.
Cons: You’ll need to gain a Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage that provides you with theoretical as well as practical experience. At OriGym we offer weekend workshops that provide hands-on training, but other course providers may not offer this, so be sure to check before enrolling.Â
#12 – Sports Nutritionist
- Sports Nutritionist Average Salary: £28,691
To finish this section on our list of job openings for 18 year olds is a sports nutritionist. In this role, you’ll help athletes, gym members, and clients improve their performance and overall health through tailored dietary advice.Â
When you become a sports nutritionist, you’ll assess nutritional needs, create bespoke meal plans, and educate individuals on how food choices can support training and recovery.
Pros: This career allows you to work closely with people to make a positive difference in their wellbeing. There are opportunities to specialise in areas such as weight management or athletic performance, and roles can be found in gyms, sports clubs, or private practice. It’s also a growing field with strong long-term potential.
Cons: Entry-level opportunities are limited without qualifications. You will need to enrol on a Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course and get qualified to find work in this industry.Â
Seasonal & Alternative Jobs for 18-Year-Olds
Roles which aren’t long-term but seasonal provide great job opportunities for 18 year olds as they are often flexible and help young people gain valuable experience and skills.
#13 – Summer Camp / Outdoor Activity Leader
As one of the most exciting job openings for 18 year olds during the summer months, summer camp or outdoor activity leader organises and supervises activities such as sports, games, arts, and team challenges for children or young people.Â
The role is highly interactive, requiring enthusiasm, patience, and strong leadership skills to ensure everyone is safe, engaged, and having fun.Â
Pros: This role develops confidence, teamwork, and communication skills that transfer well to future careers. It’s a rewarding job where you can make a positive impact on young people, and it often comes with the added bonus of working in scenic outdoor settings.
Cons: The work is seasonal, so contracts may only last for the summer. Hours can be long and physically demanding, and supervising large groups requires constant energy and attention.
#14 – Event Staff (Concerts, Sports Venues, Festivals)
Event Staff Average Hourly Pay: £13.37
Event staff play a key role in making large-scale events run smoothly, such as music festivals, football matches, or theatre performances. Responsibilities can include ticket checking, serving food and drinks, setting up equipment, or assisting with crowd management. It’s a fast-paced, energetic role that suits those who enjoy being part of exciting live experiences.
Pros: Working at events gives you access to a lively atmosphere and the chance to build transferable skills in teamwork, customer service, and organisation. Hours can be flexible, and shifts usually align with evenings and weekends, making it possible to fit alongside study or other commitments.
Cons: Work is usually casual or temporary, so hours may vary. Long shifts on your feet are common, and dealing with large crowds can be tiring. Still, event work offers some of the most memorable and exciting job openings for 18 year olds who want variety and experience.
#15 – Freelance & Online Jobs (Tutoring, Content Creation, Virtual Assistant)
Freelance & Online Job Average Salary: Salaries vary depending on type of work, job roles, hours worked, and your own hourly rates.
Freelance and online roles offer huge flexibility for 18 year olds looking to earn money from home. Options include online tutoring, starting a YouTube or TikTok channel, offering freelance writing or design services, or working as a virtual assistant. These roles can be tailored around your schedule, making them ideal if you’re studying or want to have a taste of self-employment.
Pros: Online work allows you to be your own boss, often choosing your clients, hours, and rates. It develops skills in communication, time management, and digital literacy that are valuable across many industries. For creative individuals, content creation can even grow into a long-term career with strong earning potential.
Cons: Income can be inconsistent at first, and building a client base or audience takes time. Competition online can be high, and you’ll need self-motivation to stay organised without a set routine. Still, freelancing represents one of the most flexible jobs for eighteen year olds in today’s digital economy.
How to Find Job Openings for 18-Year-Olds
There are plenty of ways to discover job opportunities for 18 year olds, and using the right tools will make your search much easier. Popular websites such as Active Careers, Indeed, StudentJob, and Reed list thousands of entry-level positions.Â
Company career pages are ideal if you already have an employer in mind. Setting up job alerts on these platforms can also help you apply quickly when new roles appear.
If you’re looking for structured training alongside employment, apprenticeship finder tools on GOV.uk are a valuable resource. They allow you to search by sector and location, making it easier to find opportunities that fit your interests and long-term career goals.
Don’t overlook the power of networking and social media either. Connecting with local businesses on LinkedIn, following brands on Instagram, or simply asking friends and family for leads can uncover opportunities that aren’t advertised widely.
To have more success when finding job openings for 18 year olds, check out our guide to the 16 Best Apps to Find Jobs in the UK, which covers useful tools to streamline your search.
Tips for Landing a Job at 18
When it comes to job openings for 18 year olds and securing work, this often comes down to how well you present yourself to employers. You should start by writing a simple CV, even if you have little or no experience.Â
Focus on clear sections for education, achievements, and any activities that demonstrate responsibility or dedication. A short personal statement can also highlight your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.
When listing skills, draw on experiences from school and sixth form, volunteering, or sports. For instance, completing coursework on time shows organisation, volunteering demonstrates reliability, and team sports highlight communication and teamwork. Employers value these transferable skills as much as direct experience, especially for entry-level roles.
Finally, take time to prepare for interviews. Research the company, practise common questions, and think of examples that show initiative and problem-solving ability. Even simple scenarios, like managing a group project or helping to organise an event, can provide strong answers.
By combining a clear CV, evidence of transferable skills, and confident interview preparation, you can make a lasting impression and increase your chances of landing your first role.
Launch Your Career in Fitness With OriGym
There are plenty of job openings for 18 year olds in the health and fitness industry, making it a great option for those starting out. Our accredited personal trainer courses are the best way to begin your career and we offer plenty of services to help you get started:
With our internationally recognised qualifications, you can look for employment opportunities abroad and enrol on additional courses to develop your knowledge and advance your career.
For more careers in fitness and how you can start your journey with OriGym, check out our article: 16 Best Careers in Fitness and Nutrition.
