Youth Summer Employment in Siouxland

SIOUX CITY - In the past year personal expenses have increased as a result of factors such as rising gasoline and fuel costs. The dollar is shrinking and all families are feeling the squeeze as prices go up. More young people are searching for jobs to replace the spending money no longer available from their parents.

In the Siouxland area, approximately 2000 young people between the ages of 14 and 18 will enter the workforce for summer employment. Many of these jobs will be in retail, service and fast food occupations, however other opportunities area available.

A job seeker under the age of 16 must receive a work permit to enter the workforce. A work permit form may be obtained at school or Iowa Workforce Development. The permit will verify the worker’s age, document the type of work to be performed and the hours/days to be worked. June 1 through Labor Day, a minor may work up to eight hours per day between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., but not more than 40 hours per week. During the school year, a person under the age of 16 can work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and no more than four hours per day, Monday through Friday, or eight hours per day on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. No more than a total of 28 hours per week is allowed during the school year.

Typical jobs that can be performed by a teen who is 14 and 15 years old are:

• Answering phones and taking messages
• Doing office or clerical work
• Being a caddy on a golf course
• Running errands or making deliveries
• Stocking store shelves
• Bagging groceries and carry-out
• Doing clean-up work that does not require the use of harsh chemicals
• Preparing food and serving at lunch counters
• Washing dishes
• Detasseling corn

For answers to specific questions relating to child labor or work permits, call Iowa Workforce Development at (712) 233-9030.