Youth
Young people in Saskatchewan can enter the workforce once they’ve reached the age of 16. Prior to that, 14- and 15 year-olds can work up to a maximum of 16 hours a week during the school year, but only if they’ve completed the Young Worker Readiness Certificate course, offered by the Government of Saskatchewan.
It’s important for young workers to know their rights and responsibilities on the job, particularly in regards to health and safety. That’s why the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour also offers a Ready for Work program to educate students and new workers about their rights.
Not all jobs are available to young people. Saskatchewan’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 lists a number of industries where people under the age of 18 are not permitted to work. In addition, the regulations list a number of industries that cannot employ anyone under the age of 16, primarily due to health and safety concerns.
It’s important for all workers to know their roles and responsibilities regarding workplace safety. That takes on even greater importance for young workers, who many be new to a particular industry, or to the workforce in general.
