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Jobs for Teens

Questions

Questions teens ask

Short answers to real questions about working in BC, each with where it comes from.

General information, not legal advice.

Can I work at 14 in BC?

Yes, in light work, with a guardian's written consent. A guardian signs written consent and the employer keeps it on file. Anything off the light work list needs the Director's permission from the Employment Standards Branch, on top of guardian consent.

Source: Province of BC, Employment Standards, Know your rights

What counts as light work at 14 or 15?

Cashier, salesperson (not door-to-door), serving food or drink but not alcohol, lifeguard, camp leader, coach, referee, courier. Family-owned business and entertainment-industry work also don't need a permit.

Source: Province of BC, Employment Standards, Know your rights

How many hours can I work if I'm under 15?

Under 15, you're capped at 4 hours on a school day, 7 on a non-school day, 20 hours in a week with five school days, and 35 hours otherwise. Someone at least 19 has to supervise you directly.

Source: Province of BC, Employment Standards, Know your rights

Can I work at 12 or 13?

No permit needed to work as a camp assistant, assistant coach, referee or umpire, or for a family-owned business — provided the tasks aren't on the 'not light work' list — or to perform in the entertainment industry. A permit from the Employment Standards Branch is generally required outside those three exceptions.

Source: Province of BC, Employment Standards, Know your rights

Do I need permission to work at 16?

You can work without anyone's consent. Certain hazardous work is still restricted under 16, and some categories until 18 — so check the role itself.

Source: Province of BC, Employment Standards, Know your rights

What does minimum age 16 actually mean on a job posting?

The minimum age is the youngest age this employer actually hires at. One location telling us something doesn't automatically become a rule for every location, and a policy for one role doesn't automatically apply to a different job at the same place. The preferred age is what they'd rather have — if we show one, it doesn't mean you can't apply.

Source: How we verify, Full methodology

Which employers hire at 15 in Metro Vancouver?

These listings on Jobs for Teens have a minimum age of 15 or younger. Each age applies only to the role and location shown, and each line says how we know it and when we last checked. Eligibility lasts. Openings come and go.

Source: Full methodology

A posting doesn't say an age — does that mean no?

No. Many job postings don't say an age at all, so one that says none doesn't tell you either way. We publish an age only when the employer's own posting, its own website or the employer itself states it.

Source: Full methodology

How does Jobs for Teens check an age?

We prefer the employer's own sources — their careers site, their official job postings, or a direct answer from the employer. A person reads the evidence before anything is published. Every listing shows how we know and when we last checked it.

Source: How we verify, Full methodology, About

If a listing says “Hires from 15”, are they hiring right now?

Not necessarily. Eligible — this employer hires people your age for this role. Hiring now — there's an open position right now. Eligibility lasts. Openings come and go.

Source: Full methodology

How recent is the information on a listing?

Every listing shows when its information was last checked. That's a real date, not the date we published the page.

Source: Full methodology

Do I need a resume for a first job?

It depends on the employer. Each listing page says how to apply when the employer's own listing tells us.

Source: Full methodology

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