What is a job?
There are so many different jobs around the world.
A job is work that people do in exchange for payment.
A person who does a job can be an Someone who works for a person or business in return for pay., an A person or business that pays others to work. or they can be When someone works for themselves rather than for an employer..
Watch - Explore why people have jobs
Learn why people have jobs and the different ways people can contribute to the community.
VOICEOVER: The world is full of different jobs. But why do people have them?
CHILD 1: People have jobs so that they can earn money.
CHILD 2: Pay bills.
CHILD 3: To keep the economy moving.
CHILD 1: To take care of their families.
CHILD 3: And to do something they love.
VOICEOVER: As well as helping us pay for things, jobs also help contribute to communities and 'the economy' – they are what keeps them running.
The economy is to do with how money is made and spent in an area. We help the economy by having jobs as we pay “taxes” to the government on the money we earn. These taxes pay for goods and services in the community such as hospitals and schools.
Can you name some different jobs that support our communities?
CHILD 3: Health workers.
CHILD 2: There’s charity workers.
CHILD 3: Firefighters!
CHILD 4: Rubbish collectors.
CHILD 3: Police officers.
CHILD 2: Local MP's.
CHILD 1: People who own restaurants, cafes.
CHILD 4: Carers and many more.
VOICEOVER: A good way to look at it is that every job has a purpose that keeps our communities and country going. But having a job isn’t the only way people can contribute to a community and help others. How else can we help and give back to our community?
CHILD 4: We can help our community by volunteering in lots of different ways. Such as litter picking.
CHILD 2: Helping neighbours.
CHILD 4: Fundraising for charities.
VOICEOVER: What are some of the ways that you’ve contributed to your community?
CHILD 5: I have albinism and I help people over social media with my mum to teach people about what albinism is.
CHILD 3: I belong to lots of eco and environmental groups, and I talk to people in assemblies about how it’s so important to protect our environment.
CHILD 4: I have helped my community by raising lots of money and doing different activities. I have also collected money for the food bank and preparing gifts at Christmas for people in need.
VOICEOVER: By doing anything like this, you’re contributing to your community and being an active and responsible citizen!
Do you know what job you'd like to do when you're older? What you end up doing could really help your community!
Why do people have jobs?
There are many reasons why people have a job and go to work.
- Money - People work to make money to pay for things they need and want.
- Personal development - Working lets people gain skills that they can use everyday and in future job roles.
- The economy is to do with how money is made and spent in an area. - We can spend money in local shops to help the local economy and when we buy bigger items we help the wider economy.
- Community - Jobs help the wider community. For example, postal workers deliver letters and packages, providing an essential service.
What sorts of jobs make up our communities?
Lots of jobs play a role in keeping our communities running smoothly.
Image caption, Doctors and medical professionals
Doctors and medical staff take care of people by diagnosing medical problems, treating people with illness and help people stay healthy and well.
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Did you know?
In the 19th Century, before electricity was used for street lighting, people worked as 'night owl lamplighters’.
They were responsible for lighting streets after dark.
How can I contribute to the community without a job?
Although you are too young to have a job right now, there are other ways for you to contribute to your community.
Activities
Spot the jobs!
Have you ever wondered how many jobs are all around you?
- Make a list of all the different jobs you see people doing in just one day.
They might be people working on public transport, in a shop or at your school.
- Ask your friends or family members to keep a list too and see how many different types of jobs you spot!
Describe your dream job
Do you know what job you would like to do when you are older?
Write about it, thinking about the following things:
- What skills or personal qualities would you need to do this job well?
- What would your working day be like?
- Do you have to wear a special outfit, such as a uniform, to do this job?
Quiz
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