Minors aged 15 days to 18 years employed in the entertainment industry must have a permit to work, and employers must have a permit to employ. The general rule is that the legal working age in California is 14-years-old, but anybody under the age of 18 must have a work permit.In California, almost all minors under 18 years old are subject to the state's child labor protections under the California Labor Code. 16 and 17-year-olds may work up to 8 hours a day, up to 48 hours a week, and between a.m. New Door has a 14 week paid employment program for youth 16-24. Youth participate as a member of a cohort, consisting of 15 – 20 interns. Ensure your workplace is compliant with federal and state labor law poster requirements. Simplify compliance with our worry-free update services. All minors who have not graduated high school or been awarded a certificate of proficiency, must have a valid work permit. The general rule is that the legal working age in California is 14-years-old, but anybody under the age of 18 must have a work permit.