Released on November 29, 2011
Young people looking for work during the busy holiday shopping season are required to take the Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course (YWRCC) prior to obtaining employment.
Age 16 has been established as the general minimum age of employment in Saskatchewan. However, youth aged 14 and 15 can work in the province if they first complete the YWRCC course. The course teaches youth about their rights and responsibilities related to labour standards and health and safety practices.
Young workers under the age of 16 must have the consent of their parent or guardian; are not allowed to work after 10 p.m. on a day preceding a school day or before the time that school starts in the morning; and can not work more than 16 hours during a school week.
"Many employers hire young workers this time of year," Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. "This course helps prepare youth for the world of work. They need to know their rights and responsibilities, and what constitutes a safe, healthy, fair and productive workplace."
To date, nearly 7,000 youth have completed their certificate.
To find out more information about YWRCC visit www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/ywrcc.
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For more information, contact:
Shannon McMillan
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331