Youth

Youth Employment Works

The U.S. Department of Labor recently launched the Youth Employment Works strategy to promote high quality career pathways for young workers.

One recommendation for employers looking to hire young workers is to implement the the Good Jobs Principles for all jobs, especially entry-level positions.

They also provide suggestions for employers to leverage the public workforce training system in order hire more young people:

• Launch a pre-apprenticeship or Registered Apprenticeship program.
• Work with nearby Job Corps campuses or explore YouthBuild.
• Connect with and join regional workforce development boards.
• Interview or hire young people, particularly opportunity youth, who are served by WIOA programs.

Laws governing younger workers

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes child labor laws for the government and private sector at the national level. Rules vary depending on age and occupation.

In addition, all states have youth labor laws. When federal and state standards differ, rules providing the most protection apply. Find State Child Labor Laws for your state.

Safety is key

When hiring young workers, remember it’s often their first formal work experience. So safety is critical.

• Know and comply with relevant laws
• Establish an effective safety and health program
• Stress safety to frontline supervisors
• Train young workers to put safety first
• Develop specific programs to support new and young workers

More on hiring and managing youth workers

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and its partners have assembled other helpful resources on youth employment, including DOL’s YouthRules! website. 

• The DOL Wage & Hours Division’s Child Labor page
• DOL’s elaws® Child Labor Rules Advisor question-and-answer tool
• Youth employment industry factsheets (farming, driving, and more)
• Free Employers Pocket Guide on Youth Employment (English and Spanish)

To adapt to the workplace, young workers often require soft skills training in communication, teamwork, and other areas. For ideas, see DOL’s Skills That Pay the Bills.