Working as a teenager can be valuable experience. Alberta allows for teenagers to work, but within a certain set of legal parameters.

Can 13 and 14 year olds legally work in Alberta?

Yes, 13 and 14 year olds can work in Alberta.

They require parental or guardian consent. The job must be a safe environment, and there are limitations on hours.

Some jobs will require a permit for youth employment. The permit is signed by the parent/guardian, employer, and youth employee.

For jobs that require a permit for minors, you can find the forms and information through the following link.

Alberta Youth Employment Permits

What Jobs Can 13 and 14 Year Olds Do in Alberta?

In Alberta, 13 and 14 year olds are considered youth employees.

Youth employees can do most jobs that are deemed safe.

There are limitations on hours worked. In the food industry they must be under adult supervision at all times.

Youth Employment Jobs That Do NOT Require a permit:

• Retail store clerk
• Delivery of flyers, newspapers, and handbills
• Office Clerk or Office Manager
• Delivery of small goods and merchandise for a retail store
• Tutor
• Coach for a recreational athletic club or association
• Light janitorial in an office setting
• Food service employee in restaurant or an establishment that serves food

Source

Jobs That Require a Permit for Youth Employment in Alberta:

All artistic endeavour jobs require a permit for youth employment(14 and under).

• recorded entertainment
  • film, radio, video or television
  • television and radio commercials
• voice recordings for video and computer gaming
• live performances entertainment industry
  • theatre plays
  • musical performances

What Jobs Are 13 and 14 Year Olds NOT Allowed to Do?

The following jobs are not allowed to be done by 13 and 14 year olds. A permit will not be approved:

• construction
• jobs requiring heavy lifting (anything exceeding 10 lbs)
• working with or near fuel or propane
• working with or near moving vehicles and equipment
• working with potentially hazardous equipment, such as:
  • powered equipment (power tools, lawnmowers, line trimmers, etc.)
  • sharp objects (box cutters, exacto knives, slicers, etc.)
  • pressure washers
  • equipment that poses a risk of burn hazards (welding equipment, blowtorches, grills, deep fryers, ovens, etc.)
  • other hazardous equipment and tools (pneumatic drills, conveyors, hammers, etc.)

In Summary

• Young people are encouraged to begin their work experience in Alberta as soon as possible.
• There are many employment opportunities for adolescent workers.
• The provincial Government of Alberta has a framework of policies and rules to ensure that the work is healthy and safe.
• All youth need guardian/parent approval, and some jobs need a special permit.