Hamberites Share Their Top Teen Jobs
Photo Credit: iStock/sturti
From warehouse sales to contractor work, Hamber students have worked in a wide range of environments. Students recently spoke to The Nest about their various part-time gigs, explaining the different tasks they perform, how they got hired for their positions, and what they love about them.
Work at Nat Bailey Stadium
If you love the excitement of sports games, consider a job at Nat Bailey Stadium! Sophie Jung (12) has worked as a concession vendor there and was assigned to many different stands, including coffee and mini donuts. Her tasks included keeping the stand clean and stocking it with candy bags and chips. She was paid $17.85 an hour, plus extra for tips, which fluctuated by day. In particular, she enjoyed the social environment at work.
“I’d say the best part of my job was working with my friends, [since] I was lucky enough to be with my best friends,” said Jung.
Work at Cactus Club Cafe
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to work indoors, try applying for a job at a restaurant. Jung also works as a hostess at Cactus Club Cafe. Her tasks include taking customers to their tables, clearing dishes, cleaning tables, and setting tables with new cutlery.
“The best part of my job is meeting people from all over the world,” shared Jung. She makes $17.85 an hour, plus an extra $1.80 an hour from tips.
Work at a warehouse sale
Vancouver hosts multiple warehouse sales during the summer, including Aritzia’s in late August. Krista Shum (11) got a job at the Tentree warehouse sale last summer, working the floor and assisting customers.
“I got [the job] through a coach, as it was to help with cheer tuition,” she shared. “The best part was meeting new people my age!”
She worked approximately 20 hours in total, earning $20 an hour restocking clothes and assisting at checkout. Shum also had a 30-minute lunch break at Tentree headquarters, with lunch provided.
Work as a Contractor
For those who prefer outdoor work, consider a job where you’ll be out in nature! Kosta Nojkovic (12) works as the main climber and arborist at a private contracting company, where his pay varies depending on the contract.
He was trained by the company’s lead climber and continues to learn from his more experienced colleagues. Nojkovic’s typical tasks include removing hazardous trees and pruning healthy ones.
“I work about 8 to 14 hour days depending on the contract, and sometimes longer if it's an emergency,” he shared. His favorite part of the job is seeing homeowners’ reactions after disassembling a hazardous tree from above their house.
Work at the PNE
A job at the PNE is perfect for those who love the busy atmosphere of amusement parks. Edward Hughes (10) worked as a ticket scanner this past summer and loved meeting and working with new people. He got the job through an Instagram ad, and his role included scanning tickets for park entry, access to rides, and attendance at concerts.
He made $19.81 per hour, with a 15-minute paid break on shifts shorter than 5 hours, and a 30-minute unpaid break for shifts longer than 5 hours. Other positions available at the PNE include Candy Attendant, VIP Chalet Concierge, and Rides Attendant — all roles that require good customer service skills.
Whether by working at a warehouse sale, cutting down fallen trees, or scanning tickets at the PNE, landing a job has many benefits. According to a study from the UBC Sauder School of Business, students who work part-time or summer jobs are more likely to have better prospects and earn more money later in their careers.