These days, young Brits are increasingly attracted to jobs in technology, and while this is great to see, it’s leaving a lot of our industries struggling. Many old-school jobs pay quite well but struggle to attract workers, often because they feel outdated, face unique challenges, or have misconceptions about the roles. Naturally, this has led to these industries crying out for skilled professionals, offering excellent pay and perks to those willing to take on the work. So, if you’re looking for a career with solid earning potential and job security, it might be time to consider one of these underappreciated fields.
Social Care Roles
When you work in social care, you’ll never be out of a job, but it does mean working hours and dealing with emotionally taxing situations. Even so, these roles can be incredibly rewarding, with salaries that reflect the level of responsibility. Ultimately, the demand for compassionate and capable workers continues to grow in the UK, so if you’re stuck for a job and think you can handle it, it might be a wise career choice.
Butchery
You’ve no doubt noticed how butchers face declining interest from younger generations, despite it being a skilled trade with competitive pay. Mastering the art of meat preparation requires precision and dedication, but for those willing to learn, it offers stability and decent earnings in a shrinking workforce. After all, people will always want meat on their plates.
Waste Management
Sure, rubbish collection and waste management might not sound glamorous, but these roles are essential to keeping society functioning. Because of this, many companies offer excellent pay to compensate for the less-than-ideal working conditions, with opportunities for overtime and career progression in a sector that isn’t going anywhere.
Truck Driving
Unfortunately, lorry drivers are in short supply across the UK, largely due to long hours on the road and time away from family. Therefore, pay is significantly improving as the years go by, as companies are competing to attract drivers. This makes it a surprisingly lucrative choice for those who enjoy solitude and travel.
Pest Control
You probably never grew up dreaming of working in pest control, but someone’s gotta do it, as it’s crucial for maintaining healthy living conditions. Insects, wasps, rats, and other pests have to be managed somehow, and professionals in this field often earn higher-than-average salaries to compensate for the less pleasant parts of the job. So, if you think you can stomach it, you will no doubt be handsomely rewarded for your service.
Funeral Services
As with other jobs on this list, the funeral industry isn’t exactly a dream for most people, but it faces an ongoing worker shortage, leading to very well-paying positions. Embalming, organising ceremonies, and helping grieving families may seem daunting, but these roles provide a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, so it’s not as morbid as it sounds.
Veterinary Care
There’s no denying that jobs in veterinary care can be emotionally draining, especially when dealing with injured or sick animals. Despite this, the pay is extremely attractive, particularly for those in specialised fields, making it a viable option for animal lovers with the right qualifications.
Offshore Oil and Gas
Yes, life on an offshore oil rig is physically demanding, isolating, and often dangerous, but the industry pays handsomely to compensate workers for these challenges. Naturally, it tends to attract those who are unafraid of hard work and long stints away from home, so if that sounds like you, give it a go!
Mining
Contrary to popular belief, mining isn’t dead, although jobs aren’t as common in the UK as they once were. However, positions still exist in regions with mineral resources, and the high salaries and strong unions make this industry appealing to those willing to work in tough conditions underground.
Sewage Management
People often avoid jobs in sewage treatment plants due to the obvious downsides, but the pay is surprisingly good and you may find it to be worth the smell. Furthermore, workers in this field play a vital role in ensuring water quality and sanitation, so it’s important to remember that someone’s gotta do it, or society will crumble!
Farming
Modern farming struggles to attract new workers, even though it forms the backbone of the economy. It’s definitely not as low-paying as you might expect–farmers and agricultural workers can earn competitive wages, especially in specialised areas like dairy production or organic farming. Ultimately, the physical demands deter many people, but if you’re trying to get fit and healthy, it could be the perfect job for you.
Hazardous Material Handling
Let’s be real–dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos or chemicals isn’t for the faint-hearted. However, if you can handle it, expect these roles to offer excellent pay. You’ll have to undergo a whole lot of training and earn certifications, with strong safety measures in place to minimise risks. Achieve all of that, though, and you’ll be rolling in cash.
Cold Storage Work
Obviously, working in freezing warehouses or food storage facilities isn’t the most inviting job, but it pays well due to these harsh conditions. In particular, these roles tend to suit people who don’t mind handling repetitive tasks in less comfortable environments. So, wrap up warm, and go earn yourself some serious cash!
Mental Health Nursing
The need for mental health nurses has never been higher, but the emotional toll of this work puts off many potential candidates. Despite this, the pay is competitive, and the opportunity to make a positive impact is unmatched in other healthcare roles, making it a career that is well worth considering.
Armed Forces Engineers
Don’t be fooled into assuming that roles in the military only involve fighting. For example, engineering divisions provide challenging and highly stimulating jobs, although you’d have to deal with some seriously high-pressure situations. For those willing to commit, though, these positions offer strong pay packages, excellent benefits, and opportunities to travel.
Scaffolding
You might not expect this, but due to the fact that scaffolding involves working at heights and in all weather conditions, it’s a job that pays very well. Yes, this reflects the physical risks involved, but as long as you pay attention during health and safety courses, we’re sure you can handle it without risking your health.
Offshore Wind Maintenance
One of the less common jobs on this list is offshore wind maintenance, a vital job for the environment. We can’t deny that doing this comes with a whole lot of challenges, primarily those of working at sea, but the field offers excellent pay and the chance to be part of the green energy revolution, which might be appealing to you.
Prison Officers
Finally, the UK is in dire need of prison officers, a role that undeniably comes with serious risks and a heavy emotional toll, which is why many shy away from them. However, the pay and benefits are solid, and the work provides a unique opportunity to contribute to society’s safety and rehabilitation efforts. So, if you’ve got thick skin and think you can handle it, we’re sure your local prison will hire you in a heartbeat.
