Secondary Guidance

Grades 7–12 — Pages & Resources

Work Permits

Getting a Work Permit at North Schuylkill

Any student, ages 14 to 18, wishing to obtain employment MUST have a work permit
Work permits are issued to eligible students through the Guidance Office
In order to obtain a work permit, the student must visit the Guidance Office and obtain an application
Once the student and parent/guardian complete the application, the student must bring a copy of the student’s birth certificate to the Guidance Office
Students will be required to have an additional form completed by the parent/guardian and employer. A copy of the completed form should be retained by the parent/guardian

Contact Guidance Secretary, Mrs. Jones, with any questions at gjones@northschuylkill.net or (570) 874-0495 ext. 2116.

Pennsylvania Child Labor Law — What Students & Families Should Know

Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act protects the health, safety, and welfare of workers under 18 by requiring work permits, restricting the hours minors may work, and prohibiting work in certain hazardous occupations. Below is a summary of the provisions that most commonly apply to high school students. For complete details, see the official resources at the bottom of this page.

Work Permit Basics

A minor is anyone under 18 years of age. Nearly all employed minors need a work permit — including high school graduates under 18 and students who are home schooled or attend non-public schools
Only one type of permit is issued: a wallet-size, transferable permit that is valid from issuance until the minor turns 18. The student keeps the original and gives a copy to each employer
The school district where the student resides issues the permit for all employment performed in Pennsylvania
A job offer is not required to apply for a work permit — students are encouraged to get one before job hunting
A parent or legal guardian must sign the application, but does not need to appear in person. The student must sign the permit in the presence (in person or virtual) of the issuing officer
Proof of age is required — a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport, or other certified documentary record
For students under 16, the employer must also have the parent/guardian sign a Parental Acknowledgement of the minor’s duties and hours (Form LLC-75, linked below)
Employers must notify the school district in writing within five days of a minor starting or ending employment

How Many Hours Can Students Work?

Permitted hours depend on the student’s age and whether school is in session. A “regular school week” is Monday through Friday when school is in session; “school vacation” is any period the student is not required to be in school.

Ages 14–15

Work hour limits for minors ages 14 and 15
Limit	School Week	School Vacation
Earliest start / latest end	7:00 AM – 7:00 PM	7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Max hours per day	3 on a school day; 8 on a non-school day	8
Max hours per week	18	40

Ages 16–17

Work hour limits for minors ages 16 and 17
Limit	School Week	School Vacation
Earliest start / latest end	6:00 AM – 12:00 midnight	6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Max hours per day	8	10
Max hours per week	28	48 (hours beyond 44 must be voluntarily agreed to by the student, without employer retaliation)

Breaks & Other Protections

Minors may not work more than 5 continuous hours without a rest break of at least 30 minutes
Except for newspaper delivery, minors may not work more than 6 consecutive days
Students enrolled in summer school follow the school-week limits for their age, not the vacation limits
Minors may not be employed in hazardous or otherwise prohibited occupations defined by the PA Department of Labor & Industry
An issuing officer may deny or revoke a work permit if, in their judgment, the student cannot maintain adequate academic achievement while working during the school year
High school graduates under 18 (with proof of graduation) still need a permit, but are exempt from the hour restrictions and do not need a parent signature