Turn a summer job into a career by applying for one of 20,000 seasonal roles available
Figures from job-matching platform adzuna.co.uk show seasonal vacancies down by 13 per cent on 2024, but there are still more than 20,000 roles on offer nationwide.
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The temporary roles can boost your CV, help you learn new skills and even open up a permanent role.
Adzuna's Andrew Hunter said: 'A summer job might not seem like a big deal, but it's one of the smartest moves a young jobseeker can make right now.
Beyond the extra cash, these roles offer a chance to build up the kind of soft skills that AI can't replicate — emotional intelligence, communication, interpersonal skills and teamwork.'
Among the roles which are seeing a surge in hiring are lifeguards, festival crew, theme park assistants and hospitality staff.
Here are Sunemployment's top tips to land a summer job to supercharge your career . . .
Seek out a summer role which can lead to long-term work: Not all seasonal roles end when the sunny weather does. Big firms will often have year-round opportunities.
For example, start serving drinks in a beach bar, then move on to an apprenticeship or front-of-house role for a pub or restaurant chain.
Try an alternative industry: They may not seem like an obvious choice, but plenty of sectors from trains, airlines, hotels and coaches to gardeners, warehouses and call centres recruit for the summer.
All of these offer permanent contracts to summer staff.
Use a recruiter: Fed up applying for summer roles then getting ghosted? Recruitment consultants can put your CV in front of hiring managers to speed up the whole process.
Zahida Ahmed joined South Western Railway aged 21 as a temporary event supervisor through Adecco.
Although the initial job only lasted a week, she continued to work through the recruiter and is now a contract consultant with the firm.
Zahida, from Sunbury, Surrey, said: 'My summer job was transformative and allowed me to step confidently into the working world and discover a career path I hadn't considered before.'
Neil Carberry, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, said: 'Recruiters can offer people from every background a chance at a job by working at a festival, concert or sporting event this summer, or something calmer in an office, shop or construction site.
'Agency work is a fantastic way to get experience over the summer in ways that suit you — and even kick-start your career.'
HOLIDAY park operator Haven has 1,200 roles on offer. There are positions in areas including food and beverage, activities and leisure, security and accommodation services.
Ed Camp, 28, joined the firm in summer 2019 on a seasonal contract as a commis chef at the Littlesea park's Mash And Barrel restaurant.
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He was later offered a permanent job and put on the Grow to Team Manager talent programme. He is now the restaurant's kitchen team leader managing 16 staff. Ed said: 'I'm excited to see where my journey takes me next.'
Apply at jobs.haven.com.
SIX TIPS RELATIVE TO WORK
THIS week saw the Gallagher brothers take to the stage together for the first time in 16 years. While working with family isn't always so stressful, it may still throw up extra challenges.
Peter Duris, co-founder of Kickresume.com, said: 'A family member on your team means having a colleague you can really trust.
'But, as in the case of Oasis, it can also mean spending too much time together or making big, stressful decisions with someone who knows how to push your buttons.'
Here, he shares his advice.
1. Set clear boundaries between your work and personal life: If your co-workers are family, it's a necessity.
You might choose to use email only for work-related communication, while using your phone's messaging apps for things like planning your dad's birthday party.
2. Make sure the fact that you're family doesn't shape how you treat each other at work, so you don't favour family members over others.
3. Keep your professional expectations the same: Never expect more or less because someone is family. Expecting more might make things more stressful and harm your personal relationship.
4. Be mindful of your past: Working with someone who knows you really well can be stressful, especially if there is already some tension between you.
For instance, if you've always had a bit of a competitive relationship with your sibling, or maybe grew up feeling like you were compared to each other, working together can be very tricky.
If you find yourself getting wound up, it might help to stop and think, 'What am I really annoyed about?' When working on a project together, focus on your shared goals.
5. Consider your policies: Many UK companies have policies relating to family members, such as banning direct relatives being line managers over each other. These help you prevent a conflict of interest when it comes to issues like pay rises or performance reviews.
6. Sort your succession planning: If you work for a family business where multiple generations are involved, take professional advice on succession planning to avoid damage down the line.
YOU TOP TRADIE?
MOVE from the building site to the spotlight as the UK's top tradie.
Entries are open for the annual Screwfix Top Tradesperson competition, which aims to find the best trade talent across the UK and Ireland.
Open to roles including electricians, roofers, carpenters and plumbers, the winner scoops a bundle of tech, tools and training worth £20,000.
London plumber Mohammed Rahman claimed the title in 2024. He said: 'It took a bit of courage to nominate myself, but it was one of the best decisions.'
Jack Wallace, Screwfix Marketing Director, said: 'We're so proud of our Top Tradesperson – it highlights the skill and passion of exceptional people.'
Apply by Sunday at screwfix.com/stt.
MAKE FAST 'BUCKS
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Starbucks has opened applications for its accelerated leadership programme – a fast track for future store managers.
The course offers a Level 3 management qualification which usually takes three years to achieve – but 20 trainees will be able to get it in 13 months.
Positions are available in major cities including London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Glasgow. No previous hospitality or work experience is required.
Alex Rayner, general manager of Starbucks UK, said: 'Whether you're leaving school or exploring a fresh start, Starbucks is a place where you can work with great people.'
Apply by July 21 at corndel.foleon.com/starbucks/starbucks-learner-hub.
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