Employees Under Age 18

Employees under age 18 and their employers have rights and responsibilities under Alberta’s employment standards and occupational health and safety legislation. Adolescents are defined as individuals aged 12, 13, and 14; and young persons are defined as individuals aged 15, 16 and 17. The minimum standards of employment such as general holidays, vacations, minimum wage and termination notice or pay apply to all workers regardless of age. There are some restrictions placed on employees under 18 years old.

To learn more, see:

• Adolescents and Young Persons Fact Sheet
• Adolescent Permits
• Approval of an Occupation for Adolescent Employment
• Safety Checklist for Adolescent Employees in Restaurant and Food Services