How to make summer pay with a working holiday
IT’S not just the weather that’s getting warmer – the summer jobs market is hotting up too.
There are currently more than 50,000 vacancies in industries as diverse as hospitality, education, sports and administration.
Taking a summer role can be a stop-gap between studies, a way to earn extra cash in the cost-of-living crisis, a boost for your CV or even a path to switching careers.
Kate Shoesmith, deputy chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, says: “Summer jobs are a way to work in an industry you like, when you like, and take advantage of higher pay rates and opportunities to train.
“As well as making money, a summer job enables you to try something new without a long-term commitment.
“Demand for temporary work is high, which means you can work and hit the beach this summer.
“And because there is a shortage of people to do the jobs available, pay is going up.
“This should make the summer of 2023 a golden one for jobseekers.”
One of the UK’s top summer job employers is Parkdean Resorts.
The holiday firm has 500 vacancies but will be recruiting 6,000 people in June and July ahead of the peak season
It offers 250 different careers, including catering, lifeguard work, marketing, maintenance, holiday home sales, security, finance and front-of-house, based at 66 holiday parks across the UK.
Linda Gibbs, 67, loves working at Parkdean so much she returned five months after retiring.
She has been at the firm for nine years, having previously worked as a holiday rep and resort manager for Tui.
She is in holiday home sales at Church Point park in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland.
Linda says: “What we do is amazing, bringing families and friends together to have fun and make memories.
“I would recommend working here to anyone, regardless of age, and our career progression opportunities here are fantastic.”
Lisa Charles-Jones, HR director for the holiday firm, says: “If you are enthusiastic, a team player and passionate about fun, happiness and holidays, you will thrive in a role with Parkdean Resorts.”
- Details at jobs.parkdeanresorts.co.uk/jobs.
Tips on finding seasonal work
USE A RECRUITER: Manpower.co.uk/jobs and brookstreet.co.uk/jobs are two of the UK’s top specialists for summer vacanies.
ASK LOCALLY: Pubs, restaurants, hotels, summer camps and attractions will all need extra staff.
TARGET FIRMS LIKELY TO BE HIRING: Hospitality, outdoor activities, airlines and holiday firms are among the biggest seasonal employers.
VISIT THE DWP SITE: Go to bit.ly/3nKeM2K.
Build on life skills
A SUMMER job can kick-start your career.
Nick Gregory, employer and partnership manager at the Department for Work & Pensions in Grimsby, said: “I still fondly remember my first summer job, working in a carpet warehouse.
“It gave me some really valuable life skills that continue to stand me in good stead.”
Here are his top tips to landing seasonal work to help build your skills.
- Tap into your local Jobcentre: Employer and partnership managers work with coaches to help job-seekers find suitable roles. This includes help with job applications alongside practical interview advice.
- Refresh your CV: Once you’ve found a summer job that’s right for you, tailor your CV to the vacancy. It’s important to highlight your relevant experience.
- Consider a job that allows you to learn new skills: Why not try something new and build skills in customer service, communication and teamwork? Jobs such as summer porter, activity leader or even a housekeeper could help broaden your skill set.
- Be flexible: Don’t disregard a role that has different shift patterns. Perhaps a position you have your eye on is being advertised part-time, as a job share or even compressed work weeks. We’re often encouraging employers to offer flexible roles and jobseekers to be open-minded.
The gain event
WANT to work at the summer’s biggest events? Sign up for a job with Sodexo Live.
The hospitality firm has 1,500 roles at events including Royal Ascot and Henley Royal Regatta, plus at Fulham FC’s Craven Cottage, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium and Newcastle’s St James’ Park.
Roles include chefs, bar managers, cleaners, front of house, kitchen porters and supervisors.
Company boss Rebecca Kane said: “This is a great opportunity to grow your career and join our friendly team.”
Apply at uk.sodexo.com/working-at-sodexo-live.html.
Jobspot
BROOK STREET is recruiting for summer admin and clerical temp roles to support school exam season.
See brookstreet.co.uk/jobs.
Get travel bug
TRAVELODGE has launched its summer recruitment drive with 400 positions available now.
The budget hotel chain has jobs across the UK for hotel managers, bar cafe team members, receptionists and supervisors, plus head office roles in IT, HR and customer service.
New staff in entry-level positions looking to climb the career ladder will also be eligible to take part in the firm’s Aspire in-house management development programme.
Katharine Gourley, director of people operations, said: “The opportunities at Travelodge can open a door to a great career.”
Jobspot
PLATINUM RECRUITMENT has summer jobs to fill in catering and hospitality, get in touch at platinum-hospitality.co.uk/jobs.