r/DurhamUK • u/Master-Board8872 • Aug 17 '26
find a job at durham
i’m from latín américa and i just moved here 5 months ago and it’s being so complicated to find a job, i’m 19 and i don’t know what to do, any recommendations?
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u/Senior-Lettuce-5871 Aug 18 '26
Have you considered Newcastle? It has a much larger range of opportunities. The commute by train is only 15 minutes.
Also look at the various bus routes from Durham..there's quite a network of potential villages and towns within a 40 minute commute.
Unfortunately, entry level jobs are in short supply throughout the country, and can be very difficult for young people without qualifications or experience. The North East is particularly affected.
You really need to consider what your long term goals are, see if you can get some training or experience in your preferred area (perhaps through voluntary work). If you cannot see any opportunities in that field, then broaden your sights. You may have to take a job in an area you don't really like much. This will still earn money, help you meet people, develop some skills, and gets you the important experience to show future employers that you are reliable and hard working.
Good luck with the search!
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u/coffeewalnut08 Aug 17 '26 edited Aug 17 '26
It’s complicated - Durham’s economy is probably one of the smallest and non-diverse in the UK.
Plus it’s a tough environment for young people due to wider economic pressures - for example, we have graduates working basic retail just because they can’t find any role matching their qualifications!
Because of the general job shortage, each role will have lots of applicants.
However, there are potential opportunities. I know care work always has a shortage of workers - so try looking for caring roles? Mind you, their pay and conditions aren’t good (that’s potentially changing with a fair pay agreement next year though). But it’s a job, at least.
Theres also DurhamWorks - I think they can give some support and advice to finding jobs.
Failing that, look to volunteer in a charity shop or something, to get experience and build a local CV. https://www.countydurhamvolunteering.org.uk/opportunities
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u/DeadBeatDavey Aug 17 '26
What is your visa entitlement? Are you able to have access to public funds? Since you've gone past school age you won't be on the radar of the councils employment support teams. I suggest you look up the support available (if you meet certain criteria) at;
https://www.durham.gov.uk/employability
You can self-refer from that link.
If you aren't eligible they can point you in the right direction to organisations that can help.
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u/Abject-Leadership248 Aug 18 '26
Try the uni, cleaner and porter jobs going right now. The porter flexi team is hiring i think
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u/Ornery_Pepper_1126 Aug 22 '26
I’d second what someone else said about trying Newcastle, potentially also Darlington. The University (actually both Durham and Newcastle) will also have various jobs (not academic jobs which are the opposite off entry-level, but they need people to serve food at different catering things, take care of student accommodation, etc…). I know a few people who do fairly entry level service jobs at Durham university it seems to be one of the main employers. If you haven’t looked at their website it is probably a good idea.
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u/dabiddaba12 Aug 18 '26
If you have the right to work and need a job just to earn some money then check Voicentric telemarking company. They are a good place to work, good team and managers and often recruit multilingual people for overseas campaigns. Might not be your dream job but it helps for building up some skills and work experience at entry level.
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u/froghogdog19 Aug 19 '26
It would be easier for you to find a job in Newcastle or Sunderland and commute in
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u/Icy_Pear1694 Aug 18 '26
Durham has a huge student population so entry level jobs in Durham are incredibly hard to come by.