Schools across the UK often find it hard to fill certain hands-on roles, even though they’re essential to keeping everything running smoothly.
If you’ve got practical skills and reliability, you don’t mind kids, and you’re looking to pick up some extra cash (or any cash at all!), these are the jobs where your talents could make a real difference. To be fair, they’re not all sunshine and roses, but they can be extremely fulfilling.
1. Site managers and caretakers
Every school needs someone to oversee the buildings, fix minor issues, and keep the place safe. However, many schools find it hard to recruit reliable site managers or caretakers who can cover such a wide range of responsibilities.
If you’re handy, this role can be rewarding. From handling small repairs to managing contractors, your skills keep classrooms functioning. Schools value caretakers who take pride in keeping the site running like clockwork.
2. Maintenance technicians
From leaky taps to faulty electrics, schools face constant maintenance needs. Technicians with practical know-how are in short supply, leaving schools struggling with backlogs of small but important repairs that can’t always wait.
People with trade skills often find steady work here. Being versatile and quick with problem-solving means you’ll be relied upon daily, and schools appreciate staff who can handle jobs without waiting weeks for outside contractors.
3. Cleaners
Schools can’t function without cleaners, yet many report chronic shortages. It’s physically demanding work that’s often undervalued, which means positions stay open longer than they should despite being vital for student health and safety.
Those who take on these roles make an enormous difference. Showing reliability and attention to detail helps schools run smoothly, and it’s a way to contribute directly to a healthier environment for children and staff alike.
4. School crossing patrols
Lollipop people remain a cornerstone of road safety, but many councils struggle to recruit enough. The hours are short and split, which doesn’t suit everyone, so shortages often leave busy junctions without coverage.
If you’ve got patience and enjoy working with the community, it’s a fulfilling role. Helping children cross safely every day is a small job with a huge impact, and schools never underestimate the importance of it.
5. IT support technicians
With schools relying on digital systems more than ever, IT support is essential. Yet recruiting staff who can troubleshoot everything from laptops to classroom screens remains a challenge, especially for smaller schools with limited budgets.
Tech-savvy people thrive in this environment. Keeping systems running means supporting teachers and students alike, and schools value staff who can explain fixes clearly instead of hiding behind jargon.
6. Science technicians
Behind every practical science lesson, there’s usually a technician preparing equipment, chemicals, and experiments. Schools often struggle to find people with the right mix of safety knowledge and hands-on confidence to keep labs running safely.
If you enjoy practical science, this role can be ideal. It combines organisation with responsibility, and your work directly supports students’ learning by making sure experiments are safe, engaging, and ready to go.
7. Design and technology technicians
Subjects like woodwork, textiles, and engineering require staff who can maintain machinery and support lessons. However, many schools struggle to hire skilled technicians, often due to the mix of specialist tools and health-and-safety requirements involved.
Those with trade or workshop experience fit well here. Helping students use equipment safely, while keeping machines in top condition, means you’re central to the subject’s success. It’s a role that really makes practical learning possible.
8. Grounds staff
School playing fields and outdoor spaces need constant attention, from mowing pitches to repairing fences. Many schools struggle to cover these roles, leaving sports facilities and green spaces looking tired without regular upkeep.
If you’ve got gardening or landscaping skills, you’ll be highly valued. Maintaining outdoor spaces doesn’t just support sport; it makes the school more welcoming, which directly benefits students and staff every day.
9. Catering assistants
School kitchens depend on catering teams, but positions are often difficult to fill. The hours can be short and demanding, but without enough staff, meal services suffer and students miss out on reliable, healthy food.
Those who step into these roles provide more than meals—they keep students fuelled for learning. Showing up with energy and consistency makes a bigger impact than many realise, and schools are always grateful for dependable kitchen staff.
10. Midday supervisors
Lunchtimes are some of the busiest parts of the day, but many schools struggle to find enough supervisors. The short shifts make it harder to attract candidates, but the role is key to keeping pupils safe and calm.
If you’re patient and enjoy being around children, this role offers steady work. Supporting play, handling small disputes, and making sure lunchtimes run smoothly makes you an important part of school life.
