Youth under the age of 18 who work in North Carolina must have a Youth Employment Certificate. However, employers of minors under age 18 must obtain and keep on file proof of the minor's age.North Carolina state law has several restrictions in place to protect minors aged under 18 from undertaking hazardous or detrimental jobs. Minimum Age for Employment: Fourteen (14) for non-farm work with limited exceptions. The NC Department of Labor issues youth employment certificates for youth who are 14-17 years old. Generally, youths must be at least 14 years of age to be employed in non-farm work. Limited exceptions exist. During the regular school term, no minor under 18 years of age who is enrolled in grade 12 or lower may work between the hours of p.m. North Carolina child labor laws require teens under the age of 19 to obtain an employment certificate (work permit) to work in the state. Any youth under the age of 18 who works in North Carolina for any employer must have a youth employment certificate.