Today, the idea of getting a job at a tender age is appealing to many teenagers in the society. To get job experience, earn some more cash, or to take on the responsibility, youths want to work. But, it is essential to know the legal age limits and types of vacancies to search in the first place. This complete guide will show the minimum age to get a job, the employment options of people of various ages, and some FAQs.
Ages When Young People Can Get a Job
United States
In the United States, the FLSA has provisions that outline the minimum age at which one can be employed and this is 14 years for non- agricultural employment. Nonetheless, there are a number of restrictions and requirements that differ depending on the state and the particular occupation.
At 14-15 years of age, adolescents can work some jobs during weekends and after school, for instance, office jobs, retail and food industries. They are limited to working:They are limited to working:
- About 3 hours approximately on a single day at school.
- It is allowed to be absent from school and stay home up to 8 hours on a day that is not a school day.
- No more than 18 hours in a school week respectively.
- A total of 40 hours in a week that the child is not in school.
- Between 7 a. m. to 7 p. m. (this is to 9 p. m. from June 1 to Labor Day).
At sixteen and seventeen years of age, young persons can work more types of jobs and are allowed to work longer hours. They are not limited by the same hours as the other young people of 14-15 years old, still, they are forbidden to work in certain hazardous professions.
Age 18 and Older: At the age of 18, you cease to be a child and thus are not bound by the federal child labor laws and are free to work in any job without limitations on the number of hours one can work.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, child employment is governed by the laws that state that children can work from the age of thirteen, although this depends on the local council. However, young teenagers are limited in the kind of work they are allowed to do and the number of hours they are allowed to work.
13-14 years of age: A young teen can work, but the only jobs they can do are light jobs which are like delivering newspapers, baby-sitting, and even helping in a family business. They are restricted to working:They are restricted to working:
- No more than two hours in a school day respectively.
- From 9 in the morning till 3 in the afternoon on a Saturday.
- Till 2 hours on a Sunday only.
- Maximum of 12 hours a week during the school term
At the age of 15-16, the working hours are slightly extended where young people can work up to 8 hours on a Saturday and up to 35 hours a week during school holidays.
Age 16 and Older: Youth can work full time after the last Friday in June of the school year in which the youth turns 16. They are then governed by the employment laws like any other employees in the organization.
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Canada
According to the Canadian laws, the minimum allowed age to work is not the same across all the provinces; however, the minimum age ranges between twelve and fourteen years depending on the province.
Young teens, at the age of 12-13 are allowed to work in jobs which include babysitting, delivering newspapers or even in a family business. They are not allowed to work while in school and are also to work limited hours in a week.
At 14-15 years, teenagers are allowed to work in more types of employment, yet they cannot work over certain hours during school days.
Age 16 and Older: Thus, teens are allowed to work without limited hours and can be assigned to more challenging tasks.
Australia
Minimum working age is also different depending on the state and territory; however, it is between 13 and 15 years of age in Australia.
- Age 13-14: At this age young teens can get a job that can include delivering newspapers, baby sitting or even working in a family business. They are only allowed to work lightly and for a few hours in a day.
- At 15-16 years, young people can take up even more diverse jobs and work longer hours apart from the prohibited hours within school terms.
- Age 17 and Older: The following are the advantages of hiring teens to work; Teens can work without the limitations that are set for the younger workers.
- Job Openings on the Basis of Age
Jobs for 13-Year-Olds
While the job opportunities for 13-year-olds are limited due to legal restrictions, there are still several options available:
- Babysitting: Babysitting is a common job for students, especially teenagers, to help them get some money as well as acquire some parental duties.
- Pet Sitting/Dog Walking: Another job that can be easily adapted is pet sitting or dog walking for example.
- Yard Work: More often, there are jobs such as cutting grass, cleaning the compound, sweeping or picking up garbage that can be done within the neighborhood.
- Paper Route: Newspaper delivery is one of the typical jobs for teenage students.
- Helping in Family Business: It is an advantage to work in a family business because:
Jobs for 14-15-Year-Olds
At 14 and 15, teens can take on more structured job roles, though still with some restrictions:
- Retail Jobs: Some of the duties that young teens are usually assigned in most retail stores are the task of arranging some products or packing goods.
- Food Service: Most of the fast food establishments usually engage young persons as employees in the various positions such as caching or serving.
- Tutoring: If you are good in a certain subject, then tutoring is a good and fruitful job to be in.
- Yard Work and Landscaping: Conducted in the similar manner as the previous one, but with the inclusion of more challenging tasks.
- Online Jobs: There are such possibilities as content creation, or answering online surveys, for example.
Jobs for 16-17-Year-Olds
Teens aged 16 and 17 have a broader range of job opportunities and fewer restrictions:
- Retail and Food Service: Other better jobs like cashing or cooking in the kitchen for instance.
- Internships: Several firms also provide internships or apprenticeships for the teenagers especially the old ones.
- Lifeguarding: It is a popular job that does not necessarily need certification but this age group is often involved in this job.
- Office Work: Organizational positions in many companies.
- Camp Counselor: Some of their jobs include working at summer camps which may include childcare and activities organization.
Work Opportunities for 18 Year Olds and Above.
Once you turn 18, the job opportunities expand significantly:
- Any Retail or Food Service Position: Even in the managerial positions.
- Freelancing: It can include services that are related to writing, designing, web development, etc.
- Full-Time Employment: In any organization or any job that is of more responsibility and skill.
- Internships and Apprenticeships: It can most of the time lead to full-time employment.
- Driving Jobs: For instance, delivery or ride-sharing services, when allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- At what age can one get a job?
The legal employment of children is allowed at different ages depending on the country, and within the same country, depending on the region. For non-agricultural employment, the minimum age is 14 in the United States while in the UK it can be as low as 13 for light work. Always ensure that you check on the laws and the regulations in the specific area where you are undertaking the business.
- Following these, the question that may arise is what kinds of jobs can a twelve-year-old get?
Typically, 12-year-olds are limited to informal or family-related jobs, such as:Typically, 12-year-olds are limited to informal or family-related jobs, such as:
- Babysitting
- Pet sitting
- Yard work
- Assistance in a family business.
- Helping neighbors with house work
- Are there any limitations to the number of hours in a week a 14-year old can work?
Yes, 14-year-olds may have a limit as to the number of hours they can work particularly during school time. For instance, in the United States they would be allowed to work three hours on a school day and eight hours on non-school day but not exceeding 18 hours within a week at school.
- Is it possible for a 15 year old to get a job in retail?
Yes, it is quite possible for a 15 year old to get a job at a retail store and the common jobs include cashier, shelf stocking or customer service. Nevertheless, there could be limitations regarding the number of hours they can work and the hours in a day that they can be allowed to work.
- Which certifications would be necessary for a young teen to obtain some jobs?
Some jobs require specific certifications, such as:Some jobs require specific certifications, such as:
- Babysitting: First aid and CPR course and certification.
- Lifeguarding: Courses such as the lifeguard certification that include basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Tutoring: There is no certification, yet for the position, the applicant should have a good academic background in the particular field.
- Can teens work online? If so, then what are the possible ways?
Yes, teens are allowed to work online. Some options include:
- Content Creation: To start a YouTube channel or a blog.
- Freelancing: Provision of services such as designing of graphics or writing on Fiverr.
- Surveys: Some of them include:
- Virtual Assistance: Such as helping the business in tasks like managing their emails, or their social media handles.
Where and in what way can a 16-year-old get a job?
Here are some steps for a 16-year-old to find a job:Here are some steps for a 16-year-old to find a job:
- Create a Resume: At least, a basic one focusing on the skills and any experience that has been previously gained.
- Network: Tell your friends, family and teachers that you are in search of a job.
- Apply Online: Most firms advertise their vacancies on their websites.
- Visit Local Businesses: To get jobs one should personally ask for the available jobs.
- Use Job Boards: Search on job search engines like Indeed, Monster, and others or even local job sites.
- Can a 17 year old not work in any place?
Yes, 17-year-olds are still prohibited from working in hazardous occupations, such as:Yes, 17-year-olds are still prohibited from working in hazardous occupations, such as:
- Operating heavy machinery
- Handling hazardous materials
- Certain construction jobs
- Jobs that require one to work on a ladder or on any other elevated surface
- How can a teen work and attend school at the same time?
I am a student and also work to support myself which is why I have to manage my time well. Here are some tips:
- Set Priorities: They should prioritize school hence they should take a job that will not interfere with their school.
- Create a Schedule: Make sure you have a schedule for the week, it will help you do your homework, study, and also get enough sleep.
- Communicate: Inform your employer of your schedule and when you are available as well as your school timetable.
- Take Breaks: It is vital to create time for yourself so that you do not feel burnt out.
- What knowledge can teenagers get from their first employment?
Early work experience can help teens develop a wide range of skills, including:
- Time Management: Merging the time that is spent at work with the rest of the life.
- Responsibility: College students being responsible for certain duties or tasks.
- Communication: It also involves dealing with the employers, the customers, and other co-workers.
- Teamwork: Working with other people in the place of work.
- Problem-Solving: Dealing with Problems and their Solutions.
Conclusion
It is vital for the youth who are willing to work to know the legal age requirements and the type of jobs they can get. If you are 13 years old and in search of a babysitting position, if you are 16 and in need of a part time job or if you are 18 and are in search of a full time job, there are so many possibilities. Knowing the rules, finding out the kinds of jobs available, and understanding the right way to search for a job and combine work with other commitments, could help teens acquire experience, skills and a step towards financial freedom.
