Do most 16/17 year olds have jobs these days?

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I remember when I was that age it seemed to be the thing that everyone got a part time job at around 16 or even earlier sometimes. I used to work in a small cafe from 15 onwards.

DS is 16 nearly 17 and I think it would be a good idea for him to get a part time job alongside his A levels. Obviously I can't force him but I've mentioned it to him. He says nobody his age really has a job and they're really hard to get. To be fair he's looked online and most places are looking for 18+, and/ or experience, which he doesn't have because he's never had a job before. He's created a CV and dropped it into some local shops but no luck so far. Maybe part time jobs aren't as common nowadays.

Those of you who have older teenagers, do they/their friends have jobs? Any ideas how he can get one?

We are in a small town and there aren’t many opportunities and they all seem to require you to work a mix of evenings and weekend days. DS is at college 5 days a week, has a regular extra curricular activity a couple of evenings a week plus a fair few weekends and on top of that wants to see his girlfriend. None of that leaves much time for working and I’d rather he enjoy himself for now and not worry about getting a job. He understands it means less money for him to spend but that’s the way it is.

Even if he gave up the girlfriend or his club he would be working for a measly £4.60 an hour alongside people earning twice that and I don’t think that’s great. I would rather he have fun while he can, he’ll be working for a long time.

Lifeguarding pays very well. Lots of jobs pay minimum per age range. I work at b&q and all shop floor staff are paid the same so VERY good for youngsters.

DS1 is 17 and does 10 hours a week in a card shop. 6 hours either Saturday or Sunday, and 4 hours Wednesday afternoons as it's a day he isn't at college. I think it's a pretty even split between his friends of having part time jobs or not.