While traditional Saturday retail positions for teenagers have become less common, a variety of alternative job opportunities remain available for young workers, offering both valuable experience and competitive pay.

Many of the roles historically held by teenagers, such as weekend shifts in local shops and bakeries, have diminished. However, young people are still actively seeking work, and some are finding well-paid positions that exceed the minimum wage for under-18s, which currently stands at £8 per hour in the UK.

One increasingly popular option is football refereeing. Teenagers as young as 14 can begin training through the Football Association (FA), which provides a course comprising online learning and around 11 hours of in-person instruction on topics ranging from game rules to managing player behaviour. Upon qualifying—after refereeing five matches—referees can earn between £20 to £30 per youth game, depending on the fixture’s length and age group. This role offers flexible hours, typically lasting about an hour per match, and helps young referees develop interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills by working with children, coaches, and parents.

Lifeguarding is another viable choice for teenagers with strong swimming abilities. The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), accredited internationally, requires a six-day course focusing on first aid, water rescue, health and safety, and teamwork. Candidates must be at least 16 years old on the day of assessment and meet specific swimming criteria. Pay varies by location but often averages around £12 per hour. Lifeguards’ responsibilities extend beyond poolside supervision to tasks like pool preparation and conducting water quality tests.

For those interested in more flexible, community-oriented roles, activity and after-school clubs can provide part-time work. Teenagers may find opportunities assisting with drama, sports, or arts clubs, often within organisations they previously attended. Such positions typically offer modest hourly pay and the chance to gain experience working with children in structured settings.

After-school childcare, including babysitting and school pick-ups, remains a common way for teenagers to earn money. Tasks might involve supervising younger children during the early evening hours, with pay rates around £20 per session reported. While babysitting is unregulated and generally does not require formal qualifications, working with unfamiliar families may necessitate references or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for those aged 16 and over.

Additionally, tutoring emerges as a growing sector for teenage workers, particularly those excelling academically. With nearly 29 percent of secondary students in England and Wales having engaged private tutors, demand spans subjects from foundational test preparation to advanced-level material. Teen tutors can charge significantly below professional rates, with some offering sessions online at approximately £20 an hour. While many parents prefer qualified teachers, cost considerations create opportunities for capable teenagers to meet local demand.

Although the traditional Saturday job landscape has contracted, these diverse roles demonstrate that meaningful employment options for teenagers still exist, combining financial benefits with practical experience and skill development.