YOUNG WORKERS REMINDED TO COMPLETE YWRCC BEFORE BEGINNING NEW JOB

With the holiday season approaching, many employers will be hiring extra staff to get them through the busy weeks ahead. As they apply for these jobs, young workers should remember to complete their Young Workers Readiness Certificate Course (YWRCC) as part of the job hunt.

Young Saskatchewan workers aged 14 and 15 must successfully complete the course and print out a certificate in order to be allowed to work. Employers are required to keep a copy of a certificate in their files for each of their 14 and 15-year-old employees.

"The YWRCC is an invaluable resource for young people because it teaches them about their rights and responsibilities, as well as health and safety in the workplace," Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. "The course gives young workers an excellent idea of what to expect as they enter the workforce."

More than 7,400 young people have completed their certificate so far this fiscal year. Since the course launched in February of 2010, more than 17,000 young workers have earned their certificates.

The YWRCC modules are available in French and English at http://www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/ywrcc. There is also the option to print out the test, complete it on paper and submit a hard copy to Labour Standards.

While 14 and 15-year-olds are able to apply for jobs and go for interviews before completing the certificate, they must provide a copy of the completed certificate to their employer on or before their first day of work.

Young workers under the age of 16 must also have the consent of their parent or guardian; are not allowed to work after 10 p.m. on a day preceding a school day or before the time that school starts in the morning; and cannot work more than 16 hours during a school week.

Current legislation continues to prohibit the employment of young people in casinos and in the sale, handling or service of alcohol, during school hours and in certain high-risk occupations.

To learn more about Saskatchewan's employment standards or the YWRCC, call 1-800-667-1783 or visit www.lrws.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Jennifer Veri
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331