Jobs for 17 year olds

The jobs that actually hire at 17

How to get hired at 17, step by step

1. 1

   Build a one-page CV

   School, subjects, predicted grades, hobbies, volunteering, and two referees. Shine's free CV builder has a template made for exactly this situation.

2. 2

   Be specific about availability

   'Every Saturday and Wednesday evening' gets you hired; 'flexible' gets ignored. Decide your hours before you apply and say them up front.

3. 3

   Apply online and in person

   Big chains (Tesco, Aldi, McDonald's, Primark, Boots) recruit through their careers sites — apply the day roles appear. Independents respond to walking in with a printed CV.

4. 4

   Consider the apprenticeship route

   If you're 17 and thinking about leaving education, a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship pays you from day one and builds a qualification. Autumn is when most schemes open.

5. 5

   Follow up

   Call or visit three days after applying to confirm they received it. It takes two minutes and puts you ahead of almost every other applicant.

FAQs

What jobs can a 17 year old do in the UK?

At 17 you can work in retail, supermarkets, hospitality, fast food, cafés, cinemas, leisure centres, warehouses, offices and as a tutor or referee — plus paid apprenticeships and school leaver programmes. Still off-limits until 18: driving for work, security, licensed-bar work and night shifts.

How much does a 17 year old get paid per hour in 2026?

The legal minimum for 16–17 year olds is £8.00 an hour (April 2026 rate). In practice many chains pay 17 year olds the same as older staff — £9–£12 an hour at large supermarkets and hospitality groups. Apprentices have an £8.00 minimum in their first year or while under 19.

Can a 17 year old work full-time?

Once you reach minimum school-leaving age and are under 18: normally up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, in both term time and holidays, including if you continue in sixth form or college. Count hours across all jobs; these limits cannot normally be averaged or opted out of. At 15–16, while still below minimum school-leaving age: up to 12 hours a week in term time (2 on school days and Sundays; 8 on Saturdays), or 35 hours in school holidays (8 on weekdays/Saturdays; 2 on Sundays). No work during school hours or before 7am or after 7pm. Local council rules and permits may add restrictions. The dividing line is minimum school-leaving age, not whether you still attend school, sixth form or college. School-leaving dates differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England you must still stay in education or training until 18; fit work around your course and attendance requirements.

What jobs can I get at 17 with no experience?

Supermarkets, fast food, high-street retail, cinemas and leisure centres all hire 17 year olds with no experience and train you fully. For a career-starting route, Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships ask for GCSE passes or nothing at all — employers hire for attitude and reliability.

Can I work while learning to drive at 17?

You can start driving lessons at 17, but you cannot take a job that involves driving on public roads until you hold a full licence — and most delivery and courier employers require you to be 18 or 21 for insurance. Jobs advertised as 'driver' or 'courier' are almost never open to 17 year olds.

Should I get a job during Year 12 or Year 13?

A Saturday job alongside A levels or a BTEC is genuinely useful: it builds your CV, gives you referees and earns real money. Keep it under about 10 hours a week in exam year so grades don't slip — employers and universities both ask about grades later, and neither asks how many shifts you did.