Work permits are a necessity to minors who are looking to apply for a job. If you chose to ignore these rules and work without a permit, your employer can be fined up to $1000 a day and you will be fired.

Applying for and obtaining a work permit is not a complicated process. Although the rules seem simple and easy to follow, make sure you’re not breaking any before getting a job.

Simply ask for an application in the career center in the guidance office. After you and your employer have filled it out, return it to the office and it will be processed. Once you get your permit approved, bring it to your employer and you will be ready to work.

For 14 or 15 year olds, if school is not in session you can work 40 hours a week and up to 8 hours a day. 16 or 17 year olds, 48 hours a week. When school is in session the amount of time you can work depends on your school schedule.

If you are self employed, have an odd job in private homes such as babysitting, gardening, certain agricultural jobs, and newspaper delivery jobs then you do not need a work permit.

Quitting your job, automatically expires your work permit. You must have a new work permit every time you start a new job.

Minors under 18 must have a work permit unless you graduate before turning 18, in which case, you don’t need one. If you’ve dropped out of school and are under 18 then you must have a work permit and will only be eligible to get one if you are taking continuation or adult school classes at least 4 hours a week.

Having a job as a teenager can be a great thing. Any job can give teens a glimpse into what it’s like in the real world. Finding the right job for you, and knowing how to be safe at that job can be challenging. And don’t forget to get your work permit!

Contact Ann Bergen in the career center to find out about more about jobs, work permits career opportunities and much more, or go here to find out more information about teens working.