Released on May 25, 2018
As young people wrap up the school year and start applying for summer jobs, they should remember to look into the employment and safety rules that apply to young workers.Most importantly, 14- and 15-year-old workers need to have their Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course (YWRCC) Certificate of Completion before they can enter the workforce. The course teaches young workers about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Students will learn the basics about employment standards and workplace health and safety.
“Although this information is useful for anyone, it is targeted towards young people getting ready to start their first job,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. “We want young workers to feel comfortable enough to ask questions when they don’t understand what is expected of them and refuse work they feel is unsafe.”
Young workers may apply for jobs and go for interviews before completing the course. They may not start work until they have provided their employer with a copy of their Certificate of Completion. Young workers must also provide written consent from their parent or guardian. Employers are required to keep certificates and parental consent on file.
Young workers are only allowed to work limited hours during the school year. They are also not permitted to work in certain industries under Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
More than 7,800 people received their Certificate of Completion between April 2017 and March 2018. The Employment Standards Division of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety also delivered two webinars for teachers who use the YWRCC in the classroom.
To learn more about the YWRCC or to take the online course, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/ywrcc.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Toews
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email: jennifer.toews@gov.sk.ca