After leaving Newcastle United in the summer, Jamal Lewis finally found himself a new club last week, signing a short-term deal with Championship side Preston North End.
Things just never worked out for Jamal Lewis following his £15 million move from Norwich to Newcastle United, and the Northern Ireland international thought he’d found a way out of his Tyneside hell last year.
Lewis signed for Brazilian side Sao Paulo on loan with a view to a permanent move before he picked up an injury after just six appearances.
São Paolo felt the injury was serious enough to warrant terminating his loan, and Lewis returned to Newcastle, where he was included in Eddie Howe’s paper-thin squad for the second half of last season, purely as there was a gap and he could fill it.
Preston assistant manager Stuart McCall is very impressed with Jamal Lewis’ fitness already
In the summer, Lewis finally left Newcastle United, but it took four months before another club would scoop him up, with Preston North End signing him up until the end of December to plug a gap in their squad due to an injury crisis.
However, he has already impressed Preston’s assistant manager, Stuart McCall, who told BBC Lancashire (via The Shields Gazette) that he’s arrived in the best shape of any player they’ve brought in at this stage of the season.
“When you bring in somebody this late, two or three months into the season, or a bit longer, actually, and they haven’t had any football, you worry for them. He’s an absolute machine. He’s an athlete, he covers the ground, I think that’s his strength, his running ability. He glides with the ball, so he’s fitted in really well. He’s looked good, yeah. Over the years, we’ve had a few come in late, who haven’t signed contracts, and he’s been in the best shape I’ve ever had anybody come into the club at this late stage, definitely.”
Jamal Lewis was brought on for Preston on the 80-minute mark on Saturday
Jamal Lewis made his PNE debut on Saturday during their 2-0 win over Southampton at St Mary’s, albeit just a 10-minute cameo at the end of the game.
Fingers crossed for Lewis that he can prove himself at Preston and secure a permanent move there in January.
We’d love to see the 27-year-old get his career back on track after years of stagnating at Newcastle.
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Highest Paying Jobs in the UK 2026 (No Degree Required) – Full Hiring Guide
The UK job market in 2026 is creating strong opportunities for workers without university degrees. Due to labor shortages, rising wages, and demand across key industries, many roles now offer competitive salaries, stable contracts, and visa sponsorship options for qualified workers.
This guide focuses on real, in-demand UK jobs that pay well, require little or no formal education, and are suitable for both UK residents and international applicants.
1. HGV (Truck) Driver Jobs in the UK
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers remain among the highest-paid non-degree workers in the UK. Supermarkets, logistics firms, construction companies, and fuel suppliers continue to face driver shortages, pushing wages higher each year.
Salary Range
- £38,000 – £65,000 per year
- Overtime and night shifts can exceed £70,000
Requirements
- UK HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- No university degree required
Why This Job Pays Well
Long hours, responsibility, and supply chain importance make HGV driving one of the best-paid manual professions in the UK. Employers often cover training costs.
2. Construction Site Supervisor (Experience-Based)
Construction supervisors oversee daily site operations, safety compliance, and workforce coordination. Many professionals rise into this role through experience rather than formal education.
Salary Range
- £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Requirements
- Construction site experience
- CSCS or SSSTS certification
- No degree required
Construction jobs attract high advertising bids due to insurance, equipment, training, and recruitment demand.
3. Security Control Room Operator
Unlike basic security guard roles, control room operators monitor CCTV systems, coordinate emergency responses, and manage access control for large facilities, airports, and business centers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £50,000 per year
Requirements
- SIA licence
- Basic IT and communication skills
- No academic degree required
4. Warehouse Operations Manager (Promotion-Based)
Many warehouse managers start as pickers or supervisors and move up through performance. E-commerce growth has pushed logistics salaries significantly higher.
Salary Range
- £42,000 – £58,000 per year
Industries Hiring
- Amazon fulfilment centres
- Supermarket distribution hubs
- Import and export warehouses
5. Care Home Manager (NVQ Route)
Care home managers oversee elderly and assisted living facilities. This role follows vocational certification routes rather than university education.
Salary Range
- £45,000 – £65,000 per year
Why It Pays Well
An aging population and staff shortages have pushed salaries higher, especially in private care homes.
6. Roofing & Specialist Trades
Roofers, scaffolders, and specialist trade workers earn premium wages due to physical demand and skill shortages.
Salary Range
- £180 – £300 per day
- Annual income up to £70,000
7. Taxi & Private Hire Drivers (High-Demand Cities)
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds offer strong earning potential for licensed private hire drivers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £55,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship for UK Jobs
Some UK employers offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. While not all jobs qualify, roles in logistics, healthcare support, construction, and technical operations may be eligible depending on employer approval.
How to Apply for High-Paying UK Jobs
- Apply directly on company career websites
- Register with UK recruitment agencies
- Obtain necessary licences before applying
- Prepare a UK-style CV
In 2026, high-paying jobs in the UK are no longer limited to university graduates. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, workers can secure stable, well-paid roles across logistics, construction, healthcare support, and security sectors.
For job seekers aiming to work in the UK or improve their income, focusing on short-term training and high-demand industries remains the smartest path.
