Summer 2026 in Ukraine has become a time of active job searching among teenagers and students. The State Employment Service has recorded an increase in interest in seasonal vacancies, particularly in the sectors of trade, service, and agriculture. According to the agency, between January and May 2026, 250 young people under the age of 18 used the service's assistance.

Who can work and under what conditions?

According to Article 188 of the Labor Code of Ukraine, individuals who have reached the age of 16 can be officially employed. However, legislation establishes a number of restrictions: the duration of the working day, a ban on night shifts, and work in hazardous conditions. These norms are designed to protect the health and development of underage workers.

Where to look for vacancies?

Young people can use the "Unified Vacancy Portal" — an online platform where offers can be filtered by region, salary level, type of employment, and other parameters. If the word "student" is entered in the search bar, the system will automatically display vacancies suitable for this category of job seekers.

As of June 23, 2026, there were 82 vacancies available on the portal for students with salaries up to 40,000 hryvnias. Most of them are seasonal, calculated for the period of summer holidays.

Most popular directions

During the summer period, the highest demand is observed in the following sectors:

  • Agriculture — harvesting, plant care, assistance in farms;
  • Retail — working as salespeople, merchandisers, cashiers;
  • Service sector — waiters, baristas, administrators in cafes and restaurants;
  • Manufacturing — auxiliary roles at factories and plants.

Assistance from the Employment Service

The State Employment Service emphasizes that pupils and students can turn to its specialists for consultation. Experts help select temporary work for the holiday period or vacancies compatible with the educational process. This is especially relevant for those who want to gain their first experience and earn money at the same time.

2026 Trends

Previously, RBK-Ukraine reported that in 2026 the country is seeing a rise in demand for seasonal workers. The number of vacancies in agriculture, trade, and the service sector has grown significantly compared to previous years. The most popular professions among young people were also named: couriers, shop assistants, catering workers, and sales agents.

For many teenagers and students, summer work becomes not only a way to earn money but also an opportunity to gain valuable experience, broaden their horizons, and prepare for their future careers.