Notice: 16- & 17-Year-Olds Can Work in Manufacturing

There is a common misconception that manufacturers cannot hire 16- and 17-year-olds. With summer approaching, the OMA wants to shed light on this subject.

Currently, students ages 16 and 17 can work in the manufacturing sector if they are part of a “bona fide educational program.” Ohio’s Career and Technical Center programs are typically bona fide — and other school programs can apply through the Ohio Department of Education. This means several exemptions apply to minor student learners and employers who are participating in a work-based learning experience.

For an overview of federal and Ohio labor laws as they apply to employees under the age of 18, click here. Also, this presentation offers a summary of Ohio’s high school apprenticeship programs for interested employers. 4/22/2019