Child Labor Law regulates employment of workers under 16 years of age. The law protects children by: requiring employment certificates.Minors aged 14 or 15 may work, but not without first obtaining an Employment Certificate from their local high school or school administration office. The Act applies to minors ages 15 and younger. Illinois Child Labor Law requires any child under age 16 who wants to work to obtain an employment certificate from their school's Issuing. Officer. In Illinois, the Child Labor Law governs the employment of minors under the age of 16. No employment certificate for a teen under age 16 means NO WORK! If you are 14 or 15, a work permit is required for you to work in Illinois. In Illinois, the Child Labor Law governs the employment of minors under the age of 16. WORK PERMITS are issued to minors UNDER 16 years of age.