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Youth Works - Information for young workers

By visiting the Louisiana Youth Works web site you’re showing that you’re putting some thought into your future – a future beyond homeroom and P.E. class. This page has lots of information that can put you on the right path toward an exciting and fulfilling career. No doubt about it…there are many thing you need to consider when you begin planning for your future in the working world:

  • What are my interests?
  • What am I good at doing?
  • How much will it cost to get the education I need to enter this career?
  • How much does this job pay?
  • What will the demand for professional in this job be 10 years from now?
  • What area in the state has the most need for people in this profession?

You can get answers to questions like these and more right here. You’ll also find useful information about landing an after-school or summer job and what you need to know about your rights as an underage employee.

Preparing for a Job

Job hunting requires a little know-how. Here’s where you will find some tips to help you begin your job search and prepare for a job interview. We can even help you create a résumé.

Searching for a Job

To see what opportunities might be available today, check out Louisiana Star Jobs or Helping Individuals Reach Employment to search for a job.

Starting a Summer or After-School Job

If you are a teenager and starting a summer or after-school job there are a few easy steps you need to follow in order to be on your way to earning a paycheck. Follow the checklist below to get started and to check out the possibilities. Also, if you haven't found a new job yet and need some tips on looking for work, our Career Planning Guide is just what you need to get started.

If you are 14-17 years old:

  • Application to Employ Minors Form (PDF) (Required)
  • Give the form to your prospective employer to complete.
  • After it's filled out, have a parent or legal guardian sign it.
  • Take the completed form along with proof of age to your school or school board office to apply for an employment certificate.
  • List of Employment Certificate Issuing Locations
  • Be aware that certain hourly restrictions do exist. Discuss these restrictions with the issuing officer and/or refer to the Employment of Minors informational booklet.
  • Bring the original employment certificate to your new employer.

Knowing the Youth Labor Laws

For those workers under the age of 18, there are important laws you, your parents and your employers should know concerning your works hours. Make sure you understand Louisiana’s youth labor laws.

Careers - What's right for me?
You may need a little help understanding what careers fi t your particular interests and strengths. Are you good in math? Do you like working outdoors? Do you like working alone or in a group? Your answers to questions like these may help you decide the types of jobs you may find rewarding. Take the Skills Assessment survey to find a career that matches your qualities, or find out what it takes to be a recreational therapist, landscape architect and a ton of other cool professions.

Looking to further your education?
While most jobs require at least a high school diploma, many require some type of education or training beyond high school. Knowing what it takes to achieve your career goals is the first step toward building the life you want! Here you’ll be able to check out some of the available educational and training opportunities

Decisions, Decisions
Do a little digging and you’ll find out information about a career that may determine whether or not you want to pursue it.
You may like the idea of being a television reporter, but did you know that the starting salary for entry-level broadcast journalists can be as low as $15,000 a year? That’s less than $8 an hour. Besides earning potential, another important factor to consider when choosing a career is the demand for people in that profession. Will there be a need for this kind of job 10 years from now? As you can see, making a decision about a career can involve more than you think!

Other online tools and resources

Downloads – common forms, resources and information for youth workers.
External links open new windows and are not controlled by the Louisiana Workforce Commission. | Contact us at: (225) 342-3111 | TDD (800) 259-5154.
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This page was last updated on May 26, 2020.