Minors 16 and 17 of age are not required to obtain an employment certificate and are permitted to hold many other types of jobs. In Virginia, a minor may generally work once they have reached the age of fourteen.Virginians ages 1617 may work up to four hours on a school day, eight hours on a nonschool day and 28 hours during school weeks. Work Permit: Mandatory if under 17 or for 16 and 17yearolds if the employer is licensed to sell alcohol. When school is not in session, they may work up to 40 hours in a week. There are strict limits on when a 17 year old may drive as part of their job. Penalties. Some states require employers to obtain a work permit if they plan on hiring minors. Twelve months of records must be kept for 3 years from the date of the last recorded work period. 14 and 15-year-olds, 16 and 17-year-olds. There are no restrictions on hours of work that a 16 or 17 year old minor may perform when school is not in session.