Finding part-time jobs for gap year students is an excellent way to make the most of your gap year. Part-time work is a fulfilling and proactive way to spend your spare time and add structure to your days. You’ll be able to save some money and even fit work around other activities. 

During your gap year, you’ll find yourself with more free time than you’ve had for many years. It’s important to spend this time wisely as the year will be over before you know it. Try to be constructive with your time, setting yourself up for the future in as many ways as possible. 

Benefits of Part-Time Work

If you chose to remain at home or in the UK during your gap year instead of travelling, you might want to consider part-time jobs for gap year students. You have the option to take on part-time work for the entire year or a shorter period. In turn, this would allow you to do things like travel or study abroad for the remainder of the time.

Taking on part-time work during a gap year gives you the freedom to fill the remainder of your time in a way that suits you. Many people use this time to give back to the community through volunteering, conservation work, or to enhance their skills by taking short courses. What’s more, it’s a great way to build work experience and network.

Volunteering

Volunteering schemes might require you to lend your time two or three days per week. Therefore, it’s a great option to fit around a part-time job. There are many volunteering opportunities in each local community, from things like school and care homes to charity work and animal care. Volunteering is an impressive way to give back to your local area and explore career options while you do so. It’s also an excellent talking point to have on your CV.

Conservation Work

The climate crisis is having a devastating effect on nature and wildlife around the world. So much so that many students choose to dedicate their gap year to doing conservation work. Conservation work involves the protection and preservation of the environment. There are hundreds of projects you can get involved in across the UK, such as People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and Nature Volunteers.

Short Courses

Another reason you may want to work part-time during your gap year is so that you can sign up for short courses. There are plenty of short courses out there, such as languages, art, theatre and drama, cookery, or sports camps. These are a brilliant way to gain a new skill and use your time productively. This will stand out on any university or job application as it shows that you have a desire to learn and that you use your free time constructively.

Part-Time Jobs For Gap Year Students

Many employers offer part-time contracts which fit young people’s busy schedules in places such as bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops. Another option is to take on freelance work. This means that you’re in charge of your own schedules, giving you greater flexibility but less job security.

We’ll take a look at some freelance and contract jobs to give you a better idea of your options.

Childcare or Tutoring

One excellent option for part-time work is childcare or tutoring. The job involves looking after children when they come home from school and helping them with their homework. You can find this type of work by advertising in local schools and youth groups, or by simply speaking to family, friends or neighbours.

This is an excellent option as you can find flexible hours; some families will need help in the evenings while others need childcare during school holidays. For anyone who’s interested in teaching, working with children, or in childcare in general, having experience in this area will make your CV really stand out.

Dog Walking

If you’re an animal lover and want to be your own boss, then maybe dog walking is the perfect job for you. It’s a great way to destress, get your daily exercise in, and get paid at the same time. Dog walking is commonly done during the week when owners need someone to walk their dogs while they’re at work. However, it is possible to find work in the evenings and at weekends too.

Experience in dog walking shows that you’re a reliable and trustworthy person. It also shows that you are responsible and can take care of others.

Event Staff

As an event worker, you’ll assist in the logistics of corporate and public events. Event staff commonly work at sporting events, concerts, festivals, and business fairs or exhibitions. You’ll help set up venues, work as ushers, operate cash registers, and serve drinks among other tasks. It’s important to have good interpersonal skills and be able to adapt to different types of work environments.

One major advantage of event work is that you often get to pick and choose the events you’re available for. Most events are on weekends or in the evenings so they can fit around other commitments you may have.

Bar & Wait Staff

One of the most common part-time jobs during a gap year is to work as bar or wait staff. Part-time positions are always on offer so it’s a perfect way to use your gap year time constructively. You can make good money from your wage and tips, and you’ll also gain valuable work experience that will benefit you in the future.

For this role, good communication, time management, and multitasking skills are a must. The hospitality industry is enormous in every country, so having any hands-on experience is always a plus when looking for jobs in the future.

Take a look at some of our part-time jobs for students, part-time jobs for students in Exeter, part-time jobs for students in Derby, as well as our part-time jobs for students in Sheffield.

Final Thoughts

Part-time jobs for gap year students allow you to take control of your year. You’ll be able to put some money in the bank whilst working on your own skills and passions. From volunteering to studying to working at major events, part-time work gives you the freedom to figure out what you want to do in life by funding your experiences.

Developing a Student’s live jobs board has up-to-date job listings with part-time jobs in your area. We’ve got loads of information for students and graduates including a dedicated section for gap year students. Whether you’re looking to work part-time, full-time or go travelling for the year, we have the answers to all your questions.

If there’s something else you’d like to ask, feel free to contact us. Remember to sign up for our newsletter below so you don’t miss out on the latest updates from Developing a Student.

Visit our dedicated page on travelling in your gap year if you would like more ideas and inspiration.