The Pennsylvania Child Labor Act requires all minors subject to the Act to have a work permit in order to be employed. 16-17-Year-Olds Work Restrictions.When school is not in session, 16 and 17-year-olds may only work between 6 a.m. 16 and 17: May work the same hours as those who are 18 years old. If you are 18 years old, you may work at any time in any job. Pennsylvania labor laws require employers to provide a 30-minute break period to employees aged 14 to 17 who work five or more consecutive hours. Minors under 18 in Pennsylvania must obtain an Employment Certificate, commonly known as a Work Permit, before they can be employed. Special rules apply to older teens. Minors age 16 and up may not work before 6 a.m. Restriction prohibiting.