Work Ready Slides
Work Ready
Arlington High School Student Guide to Work Permits
AHS Main Office
Massachusetts Labor Laws
Who Needs a Permit?
Ages 14 to 17
In Massachusetts, all minors under the age of 18 must have a work permit before they can start a job.
When to apply?
You must have a specific job offer before you apply for the permit. Permits are issued for specific employers.
"No permit, no paycheck."
State law requires employers to keep your permit on file.
The Road to Employment
1
Find a Job
Secure a job offer. Your employer must fill out the first section of the application.
2
Get Forms
Download the MA Employment Permit Application or pick one up at the AHS Main Office.
3
Signatures
Collect signatures from your employer, parent, and (for age 14-15) your doctor.
4
Submit
Bring the completed application and proof of age to the AHS Main Office for processing.
Required Signatures
Employer Section
Must specify the exact duties, number of hours, and business name.
Parent/Guardian Section
Authorization for you to work at the specific location described.
Physician's Signature (Ages 14-15 ONLY)
14 and 15 year olds must have their doctor sign the form certifying they are fit for work. 16-17 year olds do not need this.
Proof of Age
When you bring your signed application to the AHS Main Office, you MUST bring one of the following official documents:
Birth Certificate
Original or certified copy
Passport
Valid US or Foreign passport
Driver's License
Or learner's permit
*School IDs are generally not accepted as primary proof of age for state work permits.
Hours: Ages 14-15
Strict state and federal restrictions apply
7am
Earliest start time year-round.
7pm
Latest finish time during the school year.
9pm
Latest finish time from July 1st to Labor Day.
Maximums
- 3 hours per school day
- 18 hours per school week
- 40 hours per non-school week
Hours: Ages 16-17
More flexibility, but still regulated
School Nights
6am – 10pm
(Latest finish: 10:15pm if business closes at 10)
Non-School Nights
6am – 11:30pm
(Latest finish: 12:00am for restaurants/theaters)
Weekly Limits
- Max 9 hours per day
- Max 48 hours per week
- Max 6 days per week
Prohibited Jobs
Minors are generally prohibited from "hazardous" tasks, including:
Operating most power-driven machinery
Driving motor vehicles (with rare exceptions)
Serving or handling alcoholic beverages
Saws, meat slicers, or bakery machines
Roofing or demolition work
Working with explosives or toxic chemicals
This is not a complete list. Check the Mass.gov website for detailed Hazardous Occupations lists.
AHS Main Office
Submission Details
Location: Main Office, 1st Floor
Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (School Days)
You must be present to sign the final permit in person.
"Permits are usually processed while you wait, or within 24 hours during busy seasons."
READY TO WORK?
Your final checklist before heading to the office
Employer section signed & completed
Parent / Guardian section signed
Physician signature (if age 14-15)
Proof of Age document in hand
Good Luck on the Job!
Work Ready Checklist Handout
Work Permit Checklist
Arlington High School Main Office
Student Name
In Massachusetts, all students under age 18 must have a work permit before beginning employment. Follow these steps to ensure your application is processed quickly.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Secure a Job Offer
You cannot get a permit without a specific job. Your employer must fill out the "Promise of Employment" section on the application form first.
2. Download/Pick Up the Application
Visit the AHS website or the Main Office to get the Massachusetts Employment Permit Application for 14-17 Year Olds.
3. Gather Required Signatures
- Employer: Must sign the "Promise of Employment" section.
- Parent/Guardian: Must sign the "Permission" section.
- Physician: Required for ages 14 and 15 ONLY. A current physical exam (within 1 year) is required.
4. Visit the AHS Main Office
Bring the completed application AND your original Proof of Age (Birth Certificate, Passport, or Driver's License/Permit) to the office during school hours.
Hours Summary
Ages 14-15
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (to 9:00 PM in summer)
Max 3 hrs/day on school days.
Ages 16-17
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (to 11:30 PM on non-school nights)
Max 9 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week.
Pro Tips
- The student must be present to sign the final permit. Parents cannot pick it up for you.
- New job? You need a new permit. Permits are not transferable between employers.
- AHS Main Office hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
Massachusetts Labor & Workforce Development
Arlington High School © 2026
Permit Pro Teacher Guide
Permit Pro Teacher Guide
Facilitating the Work Permit Process at AHS
Target Audience
Grades 9-12
Duration
20-30 Mins
Resources
Slides, Handout
Goal
Process Mastery
Slide-by-Slide Guidance
1-2
Context Setting
Emphasize that the permit is a legal requirement, not a school rule. It protects students from exploitation and ensures they are working in safe environments. Clarify that "minors" means anyone under 18.
3-5
The Logistics
Crucial Point:
The job offer must come first. Many students try to get a "blank" permit—this is not possible. Address the 14-15 year old physician requirement early, as it is the most common cause of delay.
6-8
Labor Laws & Safety
Students often find the restricted hours surprising. Use these slides to discuss work-life-school balance. Mention that if an employer asks them to work past these hours, the student should contact the AHS office or the MA Attorney General's office.
Common Student Questions
"Can my mom pick up the final permit?"
No. The state requires the student to sign the actual permit in the presence of the issuing officer (Main Office staff).
"What if I lose my permit?"
The office keeps a record. The student can come to the office for a duplicate, but they must still be present to sign it.
"I have a school ID. Is that enough?"
Usually no. The state requires a document that links the name to a date of birth definitively. Birth certificates or passports are best.
"I'm 18 but still a student. Permit?"
No. Once you turn 18, the Massachusetts work permit requirements no longer apply to you, even if you are still in high school.
Quick Extension: Roleplay
Have students pair up. One acts as the employer, the other as the applicant. Practice asking: "I'm excited about the job! Could you please fill out the 'Promise of Employment' section of this work permit application so I can get it processed at school?"
Reference for Staff
AHS Issuing Officers: Main Office Administrative Assistants
Documentation Storage: Physical binder + Student Information System
Summer Processing: Open 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Monday - Thursday)
For complex legal questions, refer families to the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (617) 626-6975.
