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16 Jobs for 18-24-year-olds in the UK

Are you aged 18-24?

Wondering what jobs and schemes are available to you in the UK?

Are you still in university or recently graduated?

If yes, you are in the right place, as this article will provide you with different job and scheme options for you to choose from.

The United Kingdom, just like most regions in the world, have an unemployment issue—with over 1.3 million people above 16 years being unemployed. In a bid to reduce these unemployment rates, the government has multiple job schemes available for young adults. Plus, we will discuss jobs that require minimum course qualifications before you can start.

So, let’s get right to it.

Nutrition Coach

Suppose you are interested in helping people achieve their dietary goals, but you don’t have the opportunity to go to university to study nutrition and dietetics. In that case, you should consider becoming a nutrition coach.

Nutrition courses are available to gain hands-on knowledge about nutrition & weight management, exercise nutrition, childhood nutrition, meal planning, and others. For example, Futurefit-accredited nutrition courses allow you to get Level 3 to Level 5 qualifications – increasing your chances of getting a job.

Personal Trainer

Do you like working out and training other people? Did you know that you can make a career out of personal training? Yes, with the right courses and certifications, you can help people achieve their fitness goals while transforming your career. You can start with the Level 2 Gym Instructor course, where you can learn about human anatomy and physiology, functional training, and fitness professional foundations before progressing to Level 3-5 qualifications.

Pilates Instructor

Do you have a passion for Pilates? Did you know that you can turn your passion into a career? Yes, you can start teaching your classes quickly with the right Pilates instructor courses.

These courses will teach you about basic mat Pilates, anatomy and physiology, pre-and postnatal exercises, advanced mat Pilates, and others. Plus, you can start with the Level 3 Mat Pilates instructor course and work up to the Level 4 Mat Pilates teacher training course.

Software Engineer

Do you want to build software applications for end users? If yes, you should consider software engineering, as it allows you to design, develop, test, and maintain software solutions. There are numerous online courses and boot camps that will teach you the software fundamentals and different programming languages. This way, you can develop applications from computer games to operating systems, and business applications.

Depending on where you stay in the UK, you may be eligible for a job scheme that will allow you to learn software engineering for free.

Online Marketer

As an online marketer, you will be in charge of using web-based channels to tell brand stories. You will need to learn different methods, like social media marketing, search engine optimisation, and email marketing, to ensure that you give your clients the best service.

Online course platforms like Udemy and Coursera have numerous online marketing courses that you can take advantage of. Plus, most of the courses have practical aspects that you can apply to real-world situations.

Sports Massage Therapist

As a sports massage therapist, you will use massage therapy to improve the health and performance of your sports clientele. However, sports massage therapy requires a complete understanding of human anatomy and physiology, soft tissue dysfunction and treatments, and basic health and fitness principles. With the right courses, you can provide your clients with the best care.

For example, the Future Fit Level 3 sports massage therapy course will provide you with the knowledge and qualifications needed to gain employment or become self-employed.

Freelance Writer

Do you have a passion for words and storytelling? Did you know that you can make a career from it? Yes, there are multiple freelance websites, like Fiverr and Upwork that allow you to offer your writing skills to clients worldwide.

You can also enrol in writing courses to improve your skills and make you stand out from your peers.

Besides, if you are not interested in freelancing, you can also apply and use your skills in digital agencies.

Social Media Manager

Did you know that you can make money from social media? You don’t have to be an influencer to make money on social media, as you can use your social media skills to become a social media manager for different brands.

If you know how to navigate different platforms, like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and others – you will continuously be in demand.

Schemes Available to Help You Get a Job

Traineeships

This work-based skills development programme is designed to help young people between 16-24 years who want to get a job or apprenticeship but do not have experience.

This scheme includes a work placement that can last from 6 weeks to up to one year, depending on the employer. Traineeships will provide you with the much-needed workplace experience and skills, increasing your chances of getting a job.

Many employers in the UK are a part of this scheme. So, if you want to get an apprenticeship or employment in a particular field – it is best to get a traineeship in the same industry. However, you need no higher than a level 3 qualification to qualify for this scheme.

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships allow young people over 16 years to gain experience, learn, and get paid. It is a work-study scheme that combines practical job training with studying. But, you will be required to spend 80% of your time at work and the remaining time in your college or training institute for at least one year.

You can choose from different apprenticeships; all you have to do is visit the UK apprenticeships site. With an apprenticeship, you can go further to a higher apprenticeship level, work full-time or further your education.

T Levels Industry Placements

Young people between 16 to 19 years who have finished their GCSE can take the T Levels courses. You can use this to develop the practical skills and knowledge needed in the workplace. With the T-level industry placement, a short-term 45-day placement, you can put all the skills you have learned in the classroom to work.

This free government scheme ensures that young people have the skills and qualifications to thrive in the work environment. Plus, it can lead to an Accelerated Apprenticeship where you can gain more work experience.

JobStart Scheme

This scheme helps young people between 16 to 24 years at risk of long-term unemployment. It offers six-month job opportunities across different sectors and employers in Northern Ireland. This scheme helps you increase your employability, confidence, and future job prospects.

Most employers can extend the placement to 9 months, and you may be offered a permanent job. However, to be eligible for this scheme, you must be 16- 24 years old, currently unemployed, and have the right to work in Northern Ireland.

Additionally, you will receive at least the national minimum wage for 25 hours per week during this scheme.

Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)

This job scheme helps young people above 18 years who receive employment benefits to apply for jobs in different sectors. The placements usually run for up to 6 weeks, and participants are provided pre-employment training, work experience placement and a job interview guarantee.

Employers benefit from this scheme as it enables them to recruit people with the skills needed to grow their businesses. Besides, you can use the training to increase your chances of getting a job.

Skills Bootcamp

Are you aged 19 or over looking for free courses to improve your employability? If yes, Skills Bootcamps is right for you as it provides free and flexible courses for up to 16 weeks. The training is usually at medium to high levels, designed to provide you with the skills needed in the workforce.

Skills Bootcamps are available in digital courses, like coding and digital marketing, green skills, like agriculture technology and solar energy, and technical training in engineering, logistics, and construction. Plus, this scheme can lead to an Accelerated Apprenticeship or a full-time job.

Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ)

These include Level 4 and 5 qualifications, like Foundation Degrees, Higher National Diplomas, and Diploma Higher Education. These qualifications usually lead to high-level occupations, such as Data Analyst, Software Developer, and Network Engineer. They usually take between 1 to 2 years, depending on whether it is part-time or full-time.

Health Science and Construction HTQs are also available if you are not interested in the digital sector. The government will fully roll out 15 occupational sectors by 2025.

Supported Internships

These internships are a work-study programme for young people between 16 and 24 years with special needs and disabilities and an education health and care (EHC) plan. They provide you with the skills needed to get and keep a job, and they usually last between 6 to 12 months.

The supported interns are expected to spend about 70% in the workplace, and they usually have the support of a qualified job coach. Additionally, they must complete their study programme while working with their employer.

Wrapping It Up

Numerous job schemes and courses are available, enabling you not to become a part of the unemployment statistics. If you are interested in pursuing your passions, there are courses available, and the same goes for furthering your education and work experience.

Other interesting resources:

Unleash Your Earning Potential: 43 Highest Paid Jobs in the UK in 2024

40 Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree (updated 2024)