The Pennsylvania Child Labor Act requires all minors subject to the Act to have a work permit in order to be employed. 16-17-Year-Olds Work Restrictions.When school is not in session, 16 and 17-year-olds may only work between 6 a.m. The Child Labor Act of Pennsylvania stipulates that minors are eligible for employment only when they reach the age of 14 or above. The law states those aged from 14-17 years old are entitled to at least a 30 minute break when working for 5 consecutive hours. The general rule is that minors under 16 years of age may not be employed, except in certain occupations enumerated in the Child Labor Law. The Pennsylvania Child Labor Act requires all minors ages 14 - 17 to have a work permit in order to be employed. The law states that any 17 year old who is a high school graduate or who has attained his or her academic potential is exempt from the child labor law. 16 - Basic minimum age for employment. Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act has distinct provisions for three age categories: under 14, 1415, and 1617.