Employers are prohibited from hiring teens under 16 years of age who fail to present an approved work permit. Work permits or employment certificates must be obtained from your local school for all minors 14 and 15 years of age before beginning work.Minors aged 14 or 15 may work, but not without first obtaining an Employment Certificate from their local high school or school administration office. Children under 16 may not work for more than 8 hours per day, or for more than 6 consecutive days in a week, or in excess of 48 hours in a week. Legal resources for anyone who is considered a youth or minor (17 years of age or younger). Find more info for legal problems under Resources. The Act applies to minors ages 15 and younger. Check Child Labor Laws: Familiarize yourself with child labor laws in Illinois. Business may employ youth who are 16- and 17-years-old without an employment certificate. It requires those under the age of 16 to obtain employment certificates from the Illinois Superintendent of Schools.