What are the basics for hiring students under the age of 18?
In order to directly or indirectly employ a minor (a person under the age of 18 who is required to attend school, and all persons under age 6) the employer must obtain a “work permit” from the minor. The minor can obtain the permit from his/her school or school district. Those permits must be renewed yearly, prior to the start of the new school year. For a minor working during his/her summer vacation, a “vacation card” work permit may be obtained from his/her school of enrollment (California Education Code Section 49111). The minor should also supply the employer with a form issued by the Department of Education entitled “Notice of Intent To Employ Minor”. The employer must fill out that form and return it to the Superintendent of Schools for the school district in which the minor attends school. Although permits can be obtained for children as young as 12, they are limited to a small number of industries. Typically the child must be at least 14 years of age to be employed. The law dif
