Due to their popularity, we thought we’d continue with another article in our series of ‘unique jobs you might not have considered’ to help get you thinking outside of the box when it comes to your job search.
For those of you who missed the earlier versions, you can find them here: part one, part two, and part three. With hundreds of different roles out there, it can be tricky to work out what might suit you, which is why it’s a good idea to explore as many different options as possible.
1. Probation officer
As a probation officer, you could help someone turn their life around. Probation officers work with offenders before and after sentencing to assess and manage the risk they pose on society.
They’re responsible for keeping victims of crime and members of the public safe while providing offenders with guidance and advice, to help rehabilitate them and ultimately prevent them from falling back into committing new crimes.
Probation officers will typically work in probation offices, courts, victims units, and/or approved premises (AP). They may also build relationships with victims of crime and members of the community, which can be helpful when trying to decide the best way to manage an offender.
HM Prison and Probation Service accept applications from candidates directly and will consider three things when assessing whether you may be eligible to join them as a trainee. These are whether you have:
- the right to work in the UK
- experience working with challenging individuals
- 5 minimum C-grade GCSEs or equivalent, or some relevant work experience, including a demonstrable ability to write reports
It’s stressed on the HM Prison and Probation Service website that the main interest lies in what you’re like as a person, not what qualifications you have. Applicants with a patient, empathetic, and resilient nature are welcome to apply.
If your application is successful, you’ll be offered full training and supported throughout, with many opportunities to continue developing in the role. To find out more and apply, you can visit the government website here. They hire intakes of staff at intervals, so it’s best to register your interest so that you can get notified each time the application process opens again.
Alternatively, you can browse Civil Service probation roles on our website, where individual postings may appear.
Interested in becoming a probation officer?
2. Newborn hearing screener
Are you a natural nurturer with a calm and reassuring presence? Would you be happy to handle newborn babies?
By working as a newborn hearing screener, you could make a significant contribution to the lives of countless newborn babies and their families by identifying those babies which have permanent hearing loss as early as possible. Those working in this role tend to work as part of an audiology team on postnatal wards or in clinics.
You don’t usually need any specific skills or qualifications to get started as a newborn hearing screener, but you’ll often have an advantage if you have previous experience working with children and families, and/or deaf people (either paid or voluntary). Lots of healthcare providers will be willing to provide full training on the job, providing that you have the right attributes and a desire to learn.
If you’re interested in the role…
3. Postal delivery worker
Could you deliver in a role with Royal Mail?
If you’re looking for a job where you can make a difference in your community whilst staying physically active, then a career as a postal delivery worker could be a great option. Every day people rely on the staff at Royal Mail to deliver important letters and parcels, and we would struggle without them!
Postal delivery workers work in all weather, sorting post and delivering it to specific areas. You’ll be on your feet for several hours of the day, so it’ll help if you have a reasonable level of fitness and are willing to work outdoors come rain or shine.
Although postal delivery workers usually work alone, you’ll get to know members of the community if you deliver to them regularly and they’ll come to know you as a friendly, reliable face.
You don’t need any previous skills or experience to apply for this role, but you will need to be upbeat, self-motivated, and resilient – with a love of the great outdoors!
4. Data analyst
Are you an excellent communicator with an analytical mind? Is maths one of your strong suits? If so, then you could consider retraining as a data analyst.
Data analysts help organisations and companies to gain a clearer understanding of their data so they can make better business decisions.
They do this by collecting and processing data, before conducting statistical analysis. They then translate their findings into a report or presentation that can be used by decision-makers. These reports are useful in working out how much a company may be spending, how they can save money, and/or how they should price new materials.
With the exponential rise of computing power and big data, the ability to work with data and make sense of it is a skill that is likely to be in high demand in the years to come.
Currently, there are no set requirements for becoming a data analyst. However, you will usually have an advantage when applying if you have a degree in a relevant subject, such as computer science, maths, or economics – especially if you were able to gain practical experience through a placement.
It can also help if you have experience working with complicated spreadsheets. There are courses available that can help you to acquire some advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
It is also possible to become a data analyst by working as an apprentice first. Companies across a range of sectors will often take on data analyst apprentices; helping them to build up the skills needed for the role whilst studying for a relevant qualification.
Interested in becoming a data analyst?
If you’d like to boost your skillset…
5. Signwriting
If you have great attention to detail, a creative flair, and you can draw well, then perhaps this is the sign that you’ve been looking for!
Signwriters create signs and lettering, which are often displayed on the front of shops, restaurants, or on company vehicles. While some signs may still be written by hand, it’s becoming more common for many of them to be designed on a computer and then made using a machine.
On a typical day, you could be doing anything from using design software and calculating letter and logo sizes to making fibreglass letters from moulds.
Signwriters typically work for graphic design companies, specialist signage companies, printers, or engravers, but some may also work on a self-employed basis – usually after building up some substantial experience in the field.
Many employers take on trainee signwriters and train them on the job – often whilst helping them work towards a relevant qualification at the same time – but you’ll likely have an edge if you have experience with some sort of design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, or any qualifications related to design and/or technology.
To get an idea of what a career in signwriting might be like, why not check out our interview with Gerry Corlass, who’s been in the industry for over six decades?
For those interested in getting started…
Or want to find out more?
6. Compliance officer
If you’re someone who likes to do things by the book, then you may find satisfaction in a role as a compliance officer.
Nearly all sectors have some level of regulation in place, meaning that compliance officers have a reasonable amount of choice when deciding which industry they’d like to work in – for example, property, pharmaceuticals, banking, and insurance.
Responsibilities will vary depending on the industry sector and the specialism of each employer, but could typically include tasks like understanding relevant roles and regulations (ensuring you are always up to date), performing risk assessments, investigating non-compliance issues, and escalating issues of concern.
Qualifications are not essential for entry into a compliance role. However, it can help if you have a degree related to law or numbers (for example, economics or accountancy).
A large number of employers are flexible with entry requirements and are often willing to train willing candidates with transferable skills on the job. So, if you have the ability to influence others, strong IT skills, and excellent attention to detail, then why not give it a go?
Explore compliance officer positions…
7. Paramedic or ambulance care assistant
Would you love to be there for others when it matters most? Can you keep calm under pressure? If so, then you might want to think about taking steps towards becoming a paramedic.
Paramedics provide an immediate response to medical emergencies following a 999 call, and will do everything they can to stabilise patients and get them to the hospital via ambulance – so they can receive further medical treatment from doctors and nurses.
People’s lives can often depend on a paramedic’s quick response and competent care, making the role invaluable. They’re highly trained to ensure that they’re equipped with all the skills and knowledge needed to be able to give someone the best chance at getting to the hospital safely.
It’s important to remember that this role is not for the faint-hearted. Paramedics will deal with all kinds of medical emergencies which could include anything from a broken leg to a cardiac arrest.
If you’re interested in making a difference in the lives of others by retraining as a paramedic, you’ll first need to complete a degree in paramedic science, which typically takes three years full-time; combining theory with practice to ensure that you get every opportunity to develop the required skills.
Once you’ve graduated from the course, you’ll be able to register with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and apply for your first role as a qualified paramedic.
Another option if you’d prefer to train whilst you work (and not go to university), would be to apply for a role as an ambulance care assistant. With experience, you can then apply for a role as a student paramedic or a trainee technician where you can work towards completing a Level 6 Diploma in Paramedic Practice, which will also allow you to register with the HCPC and start practising as a qualified paramedic.
If you’d like to take a degree…
Or would you prefer to learn on the job?
8. Student wellbeing officer
Student wellbeing officers act as the first point of contact for the students in schools, colleges and universities for any safeguarding or wellbeing concerns. They’re responsible for assessing students and devising a plan that’ll help to give them the support they need.
This could involve practical support (e.g. making sure that a physically disabled student has all the practical help they need to complete their studies) or emotional support (for example, spending time with a student one-on-one to talk through issues that may be worrying them). When necessary, a student wellbeing officer may need to contact external professionals such as social workers or the police.
There isn’t a set route to becoming a student wellbeing officer, but employers will usually give priority to candidates who have:
- knowledge of safeguarding procedures
- experience of working with vulnerable people
If you’d like to learn more about safeguarding procedures, then New Skills Academy has CPD-certified courses that may be of interest.
Interested in taking a course?
If you’re ready to apply…
9. Locksmith
If you’re trustworthy, patient, and love a good puzzle, then a career as a locksmith could be the key to your future.
Locksmiths typically pick and replace locks, make new keys, and fix broken locks and security systems. People turn to locksmiths for a number of reasons and you may well have used one yourself. They can be called to replace the locks after someone has moved into a property, or to replace a key after someone has locked theirs in their car!
Locksmiths have been around for as long as there have been locks and keys in existence, but the job has continued to evolve with the advancement of technology. Locksmiths once worked with manual locks and keys only, but now often deal with remote locking, key fobs, and alarms. So for this role, an interest in technology is a must if you don’t want to get left behind!
If you have hands-on experience with things like carpentry or joinery, then you may be able to apply for a job as a locksmith directly, as long as you’re prepared to learn and work as a trainee. Locksmiths tend to work for national security companies, in independent shops, on a self-employed basis, or by running a franchise.
The best way to get started if you’re interested in this career is to contact locksmiths near you to find out whether they could take you on as a trainee. Even if they can’t, they may be able to point you in the direction of somewhere that can.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for trainee or apprenticeship positions online – but be wary of any adverts that encourage you to pay them money for training or tools before you can work with them!
If you’d like to become a trainee…
10. Barista
Coffee lovers will understand that there are few people you’re as happy to see first thing in the morning as your favourite barista! So, if you’re looking to escape the daily grind of your job search and learn some new skills, then why not consider becoming a barista?
At present, we currently drink around 95 million cups of coffee in the UK every day, with the coffee industry creating over 210,000 UK jobs – so it’s no surprise that the demand for baristas is high.
Baristas are people who grind, blend, and serve coffee-based drinks, usually in coffee shops and cafes. Although the role is traditionally based around coffee, baristas often take on additional responsibilities including making and serving food, whipping up non-coffee-based drinks, and cash handling.
As well as being skilled at what they do and being able to make the perfect latte, mocha, or skinny chai latte, they must also have great communication and customer service skills to keep customers coming back.
You don’t need any specific qualifications to apply for a role as barista, as you’ll usually learn on the job. But if you’re passionate about great coffee and think you could learn to make the perfect brew, then why not apply today?
Start your barista journey now...
11. Museum assistant
For those who love museums and have a strong interest in art, history, and/or culture, a role in a museum could be ideal.
The best way to get your foot in the door at a museum is to apply for a role as a museum assistant. Here, you’ll typically keep an eye on exhibits, making sure that they’re all in good order; make guests feel welcome and chat with them about displays and exhibitions; issue entrance tickets; and/or serve in the museum shop.
With experience and further training/studying on the job, some museum assistants progress into other roles including education officers or assistant curators.
If you’re a people person with a good working knowledge of a relevant subject, then why not apply today? The best way to find out which roles may be available near you is to contact your local museum(s) directly.
Looking for a role as a museum assistant?
12. Personal assistant
Do you find yourself trying to organise your friends and families’ lives without even meaning to? Do you get satisfaction out of lending a helping hand to others wherever possible? If you answered yes, then it could be worth looking into a career as a personal assistant (PA).
Personal assistants tend to carry out administrative work for managers or executives, or sometimes for individuals with a high-profile or celebrity status. This can include tasks like diary management; booking travel, catering, and accommodation; and managing databases and filing systems.
As a PA, you’ll have great insight into the life of a single individual and will have access to a lot of their personal information, so it’s important that you can act with tact, trustworthiness, and discretion.
You don’t usually need any specific qualifications to work as a personal assistant, although you will have to be highly organised, proficient with office technology and able to remain calm under pressure. It can also help if you have some previous administrative experience.
If you like the sound of this role, but you’d prefer to conduct your work from home, then it’s worth considering working as a virtual assistant. The role is largely the same as the personal assistant role, but you’ll work remotely and may work for more than one individual.
Ready to apply?
Or are you interested in lending a hand from home?
13. Reprographic assistant
Reprographic assistants work for companies or organisations – like schools or law firms – that need large quantities of documents printed like brochures, manuals, and leaflets.
As well as liaising with customers to get a good understanding of the brief (e.g. the size and quantity of the documents needed), they may also ‘finish’ the documents by binding, trimming, or laminating them.
This role is best suited to people who are very organised and can work to tight deadlines, as document requests are often time-sensitive. With experience, some reprographic assistants go on to become office or shop managers.
The good news is that if you’re in a hurry to find work, this is a role you can apply for today. Employers don’t usually ask for any specific qualifications and many are happy to take people without experience provided that they have the right attitude and a willingness to learn.
See if there’s a position near you…
14. Yoga teacher
Perhaps you’re experienced at yoga and attend regular classes, but have you ever thought about teaching it yourself?
Many people who find a class or an activity that they really enjoy, take great pleasure in introducing their passion to others and helping to give them the same positive experience.
Yoga has become more popular over the years and it’s increasingly being seen as a practice that can have a positive impact on mental and physical health, so there’s no better time to become a yoga teacher.
Yoga practice is currently unregulated in the UK. But if you want to develop your teaching practice and give yourself the best chance at landing clients, then it’s best to take a recognised qualification such as the YMCA Awards recognised Diploma in Teaching Yoga. This course is focused on the practice of Hatha yoga, from which many popular styles of yoga have developed.
Through this qualification, you’ll learn how to create and deliver structured classes with confidence – to both groups and/or individuals on a one-to-one basis. The course can be taken either full-time as a weekday course or part-time as a weekend course and takes 10 days to complete in total.
Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be able to start running classes. It’s often a good idea to start by contacting local gyms and leisure centres to see whether they’re currently in need of a yoga teacher to run any additional classes – you may also be able to offer cover to teachers who are off sick.
You could also try joining The British Wheel of Yoga (the largest membership organisation in the UK), which is committed to promoting a greater understanding of yoga practice through experience, training, and study. Here, you can keep up to date with all the latest advice and information from the yoga world.
Want to learn more?
15. Upholsterer
Upholsterers make, replace, and repair covers on furniture (and sometimes in vehicles). Some work with either old or new furniture, but the majority do both!
While much of what an upholsterer relies on are skills like cutting and sewing, they must also keep an eye on current trends so that they can advise clients and help them choose fabrics to suit their lifestyle, preferences, and needs. You’ll usually find upholsterers in furniture shops, factories, or car garages – some also work on a self-employed basis with their own client base.
If you’ve got a good eye for detail and you enjoy working with your hands, then you may find pleasure in a career as an upholsterer.
Most employers will expect you to have demonstrable knowledge of fabrics and upholstery techniques, so if you don’t have any already, then it could be worth taking a short course like a Level 2 Diploma in Furnishings which can help you land a job in the industry. This is usually run by colleges and adult education centres, so you could try contacting those local to you to find out what they may have to offer.
You could also try contacting local furniture or upholstery companies near you, to see whether they have any trainee roles available.
Looking to get started as an upholsterer?
And finally...
Hopefully, these roles have got you thinking more creatively about your job search. And even if a role isn’t quite right for you, chances are, there may be a similar role that might be appealing.
For example, if you like the idea of becoming a paramedic but don’t have the time or money to go back to school, then you could consider becoming an emergency call handler or an ambulance care assistant instead.
The more options that you consider when it comes to your job search, the better! Sometimes, by expanding your search, you can come across roles that you had never considered or didn’t even know existed, which can add an element of excitement to your job search.