Michigan celebrates Youth Employment Month in June, and is a great time for students to gain valuable skills for their future careers.
The State of Michigan encourages employers to invest in young talent because it's good for business and the economy.
CA-6 Work Permit for minor under 16 years of age
CA-7 Work Permit for minor 16 to 17 years of age
Employers must keep completed permits on file for each employed minor.
Working teens have rights on the job, and employers have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace. MIOSHA and
the Wage and Hour Division want working teens to have a safe and rewarding work experience. MIOSHA can help
working teens prevent job-related injuries and illnesses.
Learn more at MI.gov/MIOSHA
Connect with your local Michigan Works! Service Center, a proud partner of the American Job Center network, to find career events in your area and get access to other valuable resources.
No. Effective March 24, 2021, the amended law allows in-person, remote and electronic methods that are acceptable to the school or school district issuing the work permit.
Yes. A minor shall not work unless the employer, or his or her employee at least 18 years of age, provides supervision. The supervisor must ensure immediate assistance is available in case of an emergency.
Yes, unless the minor is exempt. A minor may contact any local Michigan school where the employer or the minor is located to have a work permit issued.
"Issuing officer" means the chief administrator of a school district, intermediate school district, public school academy, or nonpublic school, or a person authorized by that chief administrator in writing to act on his or her behalf.
No, effective March 24, 2021, the amended law removed the yellow and pink paper distinctions. The act now uses a different means to distinguish work permits for youth under age 16 versus those 16-17 years of age. Work permits issued for minors under age 16 are printed in landscape orientation, and work permits for minors 16-17 years of age are printed in portrait orientation.
All work permits MUST include the applicable 2nd page; preferably printed on the back of the first page.
In general, the minimum age for youth employment is 14 years.
The Youth Employment Standards Act, 1978 Public Act 90, covers all businesses which employ minors under the age of 18 in the State of Michigan. When both state and federal youth employment laws apply to a business, the law with the most stringent standard controls.
More Youth Employment Frequently Asked Questions
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