As the busy retail holiday season approaches, young job hunters and their employers should remember that young Saskatchewan workers looking to work during their school break must complete a Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course before they can start working.
Saskatchewan workers aged 14 and 15 must successfully complete the course and print out a certificate in order to be allowed to work.
Employers are required to keep a copy of the certificate in their files for each of their 14- and 15-year-old employees.
Since the course launched in February of 2010, more than 36,500 people have completed their certificate.
The YWRCC modules are available in French and English at www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/ ywrcc. There is also the option to print out the test, complete it on paper and submit a hard copy to Labour Standards.
While 14- and 15-year-olds are able to apply for jobs and go for interviews before completing the certificate, they must provide a copy of the completed certificate to their employer on or before their first day of work.
Young workers under the age of 16 must also have the consent of their parent or guardian to work, are not allowed to work after 10 p.m. on a day preceding a school day or before school starts in the morning and cannot work more than 16 hours a week when school is in session.
To learn more about Saskatchewan’s employment standards or the YWRCC, call 1-800-667-1783 or visit www.lrws.gov.sk.ca.
– Government of Saskatchewan
