Jobs for 16 year olds

The jobs that actually hire at 16

How to get hired at 16, step by step

1. 1

   Write a one-page CV

   School, subjects, hobbies, any volunteering, and two referees (a teacher is fine). Shine's free CV builder has a first-job template that takes ten minutes.

2. 2

   Decide your hours

   Write down exactly when you can work — Saturday all day, Sunday morning, two evenings. Employers hire 16 year olds for reliability, so be specific.

3. 3

   Apply online to the big chains

   Tesco, Sainsbury's, Aldi, Lidl, McDonald's, KFC, Primark, Boots and JD Sports all recruit 16 year olds through their own careers sites. Set alerts and apply the day a role appears.

4. 4

   Walk in locally

   Independent cafés, shops, car washes and takeaways rarely advertise online. Print ten CVs, walk in, ask for the manager, hand it over with a smile.

5. 5

   Follow up after three days

   A polite call or visit asking whether your application was received puts you ahead of almost every other 16 year old — almost nobody does it.

FAQs

What jobs can you do at 16 in the UK?

At 16 you can work in shops, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, fast food, cinemas, leisure centres, holiday parks, warehousing and as a tutor or sports referee. You can also start a paid apprenticeship. Jobs you can't do yet include driving for work, security, most pub bar work and night shifts.

How much can a 16 year old earn per hour in 2026?

The legal minimum for 16 and 17 year olds is £8.00 an hour (April 2026 rate). Many large employers pay more — supermarkets and hospitality chains commonly pay £9–£12 an hour to under-18s. Apprentices also have an £8.00 minimum in their first year or if under 19.

How many hours can a 16 year old work?

If you're still in education, term-time limits are 12 hours a week in total: up to 2 hours on school days and Sundays, 8 hours on Saturdays. In school holidays you can work up to 35 hours a week. If you've left education, you can work up to 40 hours a week, 8 hours a day.

Can I get a job at 16 with no experience?

Yes — the roles that hire the most 16 year olds assume none. Supermarkets, fast food chains, cafés and cinemas train you from scratch. What gets you hired is a clear one-page CV, saying exactly when you can work, and following up after you apply.

What do I need before I can start work at 16?

You need your National Insurance number (posted automatically before your 16th birthday) and a bank account in your own name for payroll. That's it — no parental consent form is legally required, though some employers ask for one anyway.

Is an apprenticeship a better option than a part-time job at 16?

They solve different things. A part-time job gives you weekend money now; an apprenticeship is a full-time paid route into a career with a qualification attached. You can do a part-time job while looking for an apprenticeship — Shine lists both near you.