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. Any youth under the age of 18 who works in North Carolina for any employer must have a youth employment certificate.Minors 14 and 15 years of age may work no more than 3 hours a day when school is in session and 8 hours a day when school is out. The NC Department of Labor issues youth employment certificates for youth who are 14-17 years old. North Carolina child labor laws require teens under the age of 19 to obtain an employment certificate (work permit) to work in the state. The NC Department of Labor issues youth employment certificates for youth who are 14-17 years old. Minors 14 and 15 years of age may work no more than 3 hours a day when school is in session and 8 hours a day when school is out. Generally, youths must be at least 14 years of age to be employed in non-farm work. Limited exceptions exist. Children 14 to 15 years of age: Work may be performed in retail businesses, food service establishments, service stations, and offices of other businesses.