Youth Employment Seminar Familiarizes Business Managers with New System

By Kris Norton

Tuesday, the Department of Labor hosted a seminar, familiarizing attendees with the new Youth Employment System

Labor Regulation Specialist Raymond Smid detailed the shift in school-monitored work permits to the new approach. Beginning in July, schools and students will no longer be responsible for handling permits, that with fall on the employers.

The advantage, Smid said, is the simplicity and quick turnarounds with applications.

“The advantage of the new system compared to the work permit system is that if you hire a minor they can immediately start,” Smid said. “You no longer need to complete the ‘Intent to Employ’ form, wait for the minor to take the form to their school, have the school create the work permit, then eventually have the minor bring the work permit back to you.”

Only store locations that employ five or more minors are required to use the system, though Smid says, the system may be helpful for those that don’t.

“Even if some of your locations only have four, or three, if you’re registering other ones, it might be to your benefit to register all locations at the time that you’re creating the original registration,” Smid said.

Businesses that do not use the system by July 1^st may receive up to $400 in fines per infraction.

Employees who turn 18 years of age while employed are automatically taken out of the system.

The Department of Labor’s Youth Employment System (YES) went live June 1^st, but will not go into effect until July 1^st.