How to Get a Work Permit in North Carolina?

Are you planning to apply for a job in the state of North Carolina?

Working part-time after school and on weekends is a great way to earn a little extra cash. You will also gain work experience and skills that will make it easier to get hired when you graduate.

However, you need to apply for a work permit before you can start work. While the process is fairly simple, it is essential to understand the employment rules and regulations.

So, let’s take an in-depth look at exactly how to get a work permit in North Carolina.

Youth Employment Certificate

If you are under the age of eighteen, you have to apply for a Youth Employment Certificate. The easiest way to get the certificate is through the Wage and Hour Bureau of the North Carolina Department of Labor. The office is usually open from 08:00 to 16:45 from Monday to Friday.

How to Apply for a Work Permit?

Before you apply for a work permit, you need to get a job offer. You can then go online and apply for a Youth Employment Certificate. You need to be able to enter the job description accurately on the application form.

Once you have completed your application form, you will need to print it out and sign it. You then need to give it to your employer before you start work. Your employer has to verify your age and keep the form on file at the place you will be working.

Age Certification in North Carolina

You need to be able to show your proof of age on demand while you are working. You should show your proof of age to your employer during the job interview. They should also keep a copy on file while you are working.

Types of proof of age include:

Minor Working Hour Restrictions in North Carolina

If you are still in school, there are restrictions on the hours you are allowed to work. This is to make sure that your job doesn’t interfere with your grades. If your grades start to slip, there is a good chance that your work permit will be canceled.

Minors under the age of 16

You can work a maximum of eight hours a day and forty hours a week when school is not in session. During the school term, you can work three hours a day and a maximum of eighteen hours a week. If you join an approved Work Experience and Career Exploration program, you are allowed to work up to 23 hours a week.

Minors aged 16 and 17

There are no restrictions on the maximum number of hours you can work. However, you will still be expected to attend classes and maintain your grades.

Night Work Restrictions for Minors

There are additional restrictions on how late in the evening minors are permitted to work. This is to ensure that minors get enough sleep and are attentive in class.

Minors under the age of 16

You must finish your evening shift before 19:00, when school is in session. During the school holidays, you must finish work before 21:00. You are not allowed to start work before 07:00.

Minors Aged 16 and 17

You must finish your evening shift before 23:00, even in the summer holidays. You are not allowed to start work before 05:00.

Banned Occupations

If you are under the age of eighteen, you are not allowed to do certain jobs in North Carolina. The regulations are outlined by the North Carolina Commissioner of Labor and reviewed regularly. These are in place to protect the physical and mental well-being of minors.

Banned occupations for minors include:

Detrimental Occupations

The North Carolina Commissioner of Labor has declared nine different occupations to be harmful to minors. If you are under the age of eighteen, you cannot engage in these occupations under any circumstances.

The types of tasks stated as detrimental to minors are:

Suitable Jobs for 14 and 15 Year Olds

If you are fourteen or fifteen years old, the types of jobs you can do in North Carolina are quite limited. However, there are certain types of jobs you are permitted to do under the child labor laws. Of course, you will still have to make sure you stick to the working hour restrictions.

Types of jobs for fourteen and fifteen year olds include:

Need info on Work Permits for Other States or Looking for Some Career Advice?

Whatever state you live in or are planning on working in, you will need to know the regulations, so check out our guides on How to Get a Work Permit in California, How to Get a Work Permit in Illinois, How to Get a Work Permit in Maryland, How to Get a Work Permit in Massachusetts, and How to Get a Work Permit in Arizona in 2023.

You may also be interested in finding some Good Jobs for Teens, or knowing How Much Can a Teenager Work in a Week, what the Best Fast Food Jobs for Teens are, How to Become a Teenage Survey Taker, Can Teens Work at Two Jobs, or How to Become a Teenage Dog Walker.

And for some great career advice for teenagers, take a look at Life Skills and Career Coaching for Teens, Soft Skills Training: A Workbook to Develop Skills for Employment, or the excellent Life Skills Activity Workbook, Road Map to Your Job.

Final Thoughts

Taking on a part-time job while you are still at school can be a lot of fun. This is a great way to meet new people and learn about your strengths and weaknesses. However, it is important to make sure you understand the child labor laws for the state of North Carolina.

People who violate child labor laws can receive a fine of up to $10,000. Before starting work, it is important to read your contract carefully and ask a parent or guardian to sign it. If you are asked to do anything by your boss that you are uncomfortable with, make sure you speak up.

All the very best with working in North Carolina.