No youth under 16 years of age shall be employed for more than five consecutive hours without an interval of at least 30 minutes for rest. The Department of Safety may issue age certificates to 16 and 17yearolds.The NC Department of Labor issues youth employment certificates for youth who are 14-17 years old. Any youth under the age of 18 who works in North Carolina for any employer must have a youth employment certificate. Youth under age 16 may not work in the premises for any reason. Generally, youths must be at least 14 years of age to be employed in non-farm work. Limited exceptions exist. Minors 16 and 17 years of age may not work between the hours of 11 p.m. 16 and 17: May work the same hours as those who are 18 years old. Can 16 year olds work in North Carolina?