How do we hire a minor?

The process for hiring a minor is similar to the process for hiring an individual over the age of 18. You must first complete the approval process detailed prior to completing the instructions below.

Labor Law Information

Except in limited circumstances defined by law and summarized in the child labor law pamphlet, all minors under 18 years of age employed in the state of California must have a permit to work. Under the California Labor Code, "minor" is defined as any person under the age of 18 years required to attend school under the provisions of the Education Code, and any person under age six. "Dropouts" are subject to California's compulsory education laws, and thus are subject to all state child labor law requirements. Emancipated minors, while subject to all California's child labor laws, may apply for a work permit without their parents' permission.

Once you have identified your candidate and have extended a verbal offer, you must possess a valid permit prior to allowing a minor to work. The permit to employ and work are issued on the same form. A permit is usually issued by an authorized person at the minor's school. During summer months or when school is not in session, the work permit is obtained from the superintendent of the school district in which the minor resides.

1. Typically, after you have agreed to hire the minor, the minor is to obtain from their school a Department of Education form entitled "Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit". The form must be completed by the minor and Project Leader/ supervisor and signed by the minor's parent or guardian and a human resources team member. After returning the completed and signed form to the school, school officials may issue the permit to employ and work. Permits issued during the school year expire five days after the opening of the next succeeding school year and must be renewed.
   
   
2. Once you have a signed copy of the form you may continue the recruitment process in the article "How do we hire an employee?", and complete the process from section "Once a candidate has been selected." You will complete the Request to Hire Form through DocuSign and email ([e-mail]), and the Department of Education form so that we can include this in your employee's personnel file. The human resources team will process the Request to Hire Form form for approval; once approved we will send the online onboarding link to your new hire.