Job Experience

Today we meet a British teen and find out about her life. Sarah is 16 and studying for her

*A-levels. She knows it’ll be hard to get a job, so she wants to get some experience now.

Name: Sarah Hudson

Lives: Beckenham, just outside London

Favourite school subject: Art

Dream job: Fashion Designer

Biggest worry: making friends in a new school or new job

Job no.1 “Babysitting! I designed leaflets and took them to families in our area. Now I babysit for seven different families, looking after 14 different children. In an average month, I earn £50 (€58).”

Job no. 2 “I volunteer at a charity shop two afternoons a week after school. It’s a great way to get experience. I’ve learned how to use the till, price the clothes and talk to the customers. And my favourite bit is the window dressing, I love making the shop look good.”

Job no. 3 “I help at my local primary school when I can, for example, when I’m studying at home before exams. I help in the classroom with reading and playing games. I don’t get paid for that.”

Job no. 4 “When my friend Molly goes away in the holidays or at the weekend, I look after her guinea pigs. I feed them, clean their house and fill up their water. Molly’s mum pays me.”

Job no. 5 “I’m really excited about this job. I’m working in a big chemist’s as a Christmas Customer Assistant! The shop is in Croydon, and I work on Saturdays and two evenings after school. They pay £6.50 (€7.50) an hour. I hope I can stay on after Christmas. My experience at the charity shop really helped me to get this job.”

*A-levels: English and Welsh students take A-level exams in 3 or 4 subjects at age 18.