1. NAME OF PROGRAM: Youth Employment Certificates - Work Permits (YEC)

2. PURPOSE OF PROGRAM: The purpose of this program is to ensure that North Carolina youth, individuals under the age of 18, work safely and legally.

3. APPLICATION PROCEDURES: The application procedures include:

1. Most YECs are issued by the county DSS office in either the county in which the youth resides or the county in which the youth intends to work. In some counties, YECs are also issued by the school that the youth attends or another designated agency.
   
   
2. Individuals needing YECs - Work Permits - will need to:
   
   
1. Obtain a copy of the blank certificate from one of the following:
   
   
1. Internet: http://www.nclabor.com/wh/youth_instructions.htm
2. School
3. Department of Social Services
   
   
2. Complete the sections from "Name" through "Zip Code".
3. Have employer complete the sections "Job Description" through "Area Code Phone Number" and sign the form. (Note: Employer must mark "ABC" section appropriately).
4. Take the original and two (2) copies of the completed and signed form to the Department of Social Services, or other agency authorized to issue YECs, along with a copy of your birth certificate or other proof of age document (driver's permit or license).
5. After the agency reviews the form for appropriateness of job and age, sign the forms in the presence of the issuing officer. (Note: A parent or guardian need not be present when the forms are returned).
6. Take a copy of the issued YEC to the employer on or before first day of work.
   
   
3. The state requires individuals who have dropped out of school get a letter from the last school they attended to show they are no longer in school. Work permits cannot be approved without this letter.

4. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The eligibility requirements include:

1. A YEC must be obtained before any youth under 18 years of age is employed unless there is an exemption from the youth employment requirements of the North Carolina Wage and Hour Act.
2. Youth are required to obtain a state YEC even if their employment is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act - the federal wage and hour law - unless their employment is otherwise exempted from the state youth employment requirements.
3. A YEC will not be issued if the youth's employment will violate child labor or youth employment requirements of either the North Carolina Wage and Hour Act or the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
4. Youth are not required to obtain a YEC if there is no employer-employee relationship. For example, volunteered services do not constitute employment. Therefore, youth can be bona fide volunteers in medical, educational, religious or non-profit organization if no employer-employee relationship exists.
5. Youth are not required to obtain a YEC for a few other jobs. For example, a youth mowing lawns for private individuals is not required to obtain a YEC.

5. OTHER PROGRAM DETAILS: The other program details include:

1. There is no minimum age for youth employed as models, actors, performers in motion pictures or theatrical radio or television productions, or for youths employed by an outdoor drama directly in production-related positions such as stagehands, lighting, costumes, properties and special effects.
2. YECs for youth under 16 years of age in such occupations shall be issued by/referred to the Wage and Hour Office of the North Carolina Department of Labor.

6. DATE OF INFORMATION: June 5, 2001