High-demand jobs in 2026 that don’t require experience or a degree

A new year often brings the desire for a fresh start, and the post-festive period is one of the busiest times for job changes.

If you’re looking to switch jobs or re-enter the workforce, the good news is that many high-demand jobs in 2026 don’t require previous experience or a university degree.

Here are some of the fastest-growing roles across the UK and how to get started.

Cleaners

Why this job is in demand

The UK cleaning industry grew by more than 10% in 2025 and is now worth a record £66.9bn, according to the British Cleaning Council. With around 76,000 cleaning businesses nationwide, demand remains strong across homes, offices, healthcare settings and specialist environments.

What will you be doing?

• general cleaning of homes or commercial buildings
• deep cleaning kitchens, bathrooms and shared spaces
• specialist roles may include hygiene services or trauma and crime-scene cleaning

How to get started

• no formal qualifications or experience required
• many roles offer on-the-job training
• cleaning agencies such as Maid2Clean provide regular, flexible work

Flexible hours make this ideal for fitting around school runs or family commitments, and there are progression opportunities into supervisory or management roles.

Retail Assistants

Why this job is in demand

Retail continues to experience high staff turnover and labour shortages, keeping entry-level roles consistently available. The size of the retail workforce means there are opportunities year-round.

What will you be doing?

• serving customers and handling payments
• restocking shelves and managing deliveries
• pricing items and handling returns
• keeping the shop floor organised

How to get started

• visit stores in person and ask if they’re hiring, which always looks impressive
• look for ‘retail assistant – no experience’ roles on sites like Indeed 
• many employers provide full training

Retail roles build transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and time management.

Healthcare support workers

Why this job is in demand

An ageing population and growing care needs mean healthcare support workers are among the fastest-growing roles in the UK.

What will you be doing?

• assisting patients with daily activities
• supporting physical and emotional wellbeing
• working in hospitals, care homes or community settings
• helping healthcare professionals deliver care plans

How to get started

• entry is possible with minimal experience
• diplomas in Health and Social Care or CPD-accredited courses boost employability
• many roles allow you to train while working
• you can use the NHS’s compare roles tool to explore pathways, pay and progression

Social care workers

Why this job is in demand

Rising caseloads and workforce shortages have increased demand across children’s and adult social care. In England alone, there were over 7,900 children’s social worker vacancies in 2023, a 12% year-on-year rise.

What will you be doing?

• supporting vulnerable children, adults or families
• assessing needs and coordinating care services
• working alongside healthcare and education professionals
• advocating for wellbeing and safeguarding

How to get started

• entry-level care roles can lead into social care careers
• on-the-job training and funded qualifications are common
• agencies like Prospero Health & Social Care offer step-by-step guidance

Social care offers long-term job security and strong career progression.

Early years educators

Why this job is in demand

Government-funded childcare hours and staffing shortages have driven a sharp rise in demand. Workforce data shows demand has increased by over 10% in recent years.

What will you be doing?

• supporting children’s learning and development, from birth to age five
• planning age-appropriate activities
• ensuring children’s safety, wellbeing and emotional development
• working in nurseries, pre-schools or early years settings

How to get started

• start with hands-on experience in a nursery or pre-school
• complete formal training alongside work
• many employers support qualification costs

Construction trades

Why this job is in demand

Major housebuilding and infrastructure projects across the UK have created sustained demand for skilled tradespeople.

What will you be doing?

• on-site construction work such as labouring or groundworks
• specialising over time in trades like plumbing, carpentry or bricklaying
• working on residential, commercial or infrastructure projects

How to get started

• begin as a labourer or groundworker
• apply for apprenticeships that offer paid training
• contact local construction firms directly for work experience
• use sites like Go Construct and specialist job boards

Once qualified, skilled trades can be highly lucrative.

Railway workers

Why this job is in demand

The UK rail industry requires a steady flow of staff to maintain services, particularly in customer-facing and operational roles.

What will you be doing?

• conductors ensure passenger safety and manage on-board operations
• station staff maintain a safe, welcoming station environment
• customer service assistants sell tickets, make announcements and assist passengers

How to get started

• apply for trainee or entry-level roles with full training provided
• many employers offer paid training programmes
• apply directly through Network Rail  or train operating company career portals

These roles offer strong job security, accessible entry routes and real progression, without needing a degree.