Searching for a suitable job is a challenge for teenagers. Besides age, their own interests and preferences should be taken into account. Last but not least, the desired profession usually requires a certain school qualification. In all cases, there is the option of doing a part-time or holiday job. The extent of this mainly depends on the teenager's age.
Requirements under the Youth Protection Act
An employer bases job allocation on the Youth Protection Act. This prohibits any form of work for children under 13. In contrast, teenagers from the age of 13 may perform light activities, provided the following conditions are met:
- The teenager's parents consent to the job.
- The work does not pose a moral risk and does not allow the teenager unsupervised access to alcohol or cigarettes.
- The job endangers neither the teenager's health nor their school performance.
- Working time is a maximum of two hours per day.
Allowed jobs for teenagers include delivering newspapers, babysitting, or tutoring.
For young people between 15 and 18 years old, there is the possibility to work up to eight hours daily and 40 hours weekly. However, this right applies exclusively to persons who are no longer subject to compulsory schooling. The latter ends after ten years of schooling. Teenagers still subject to compulsory education are allowed to work a maximum of four weeks per year. This regulation plays a significant role when choosing a suitable holiday job. Employers are subject to strict requirements under the Youth Protection Act.
According to the law, teenagers between 15 and 18 may be employed daily between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. An exception applies to persons aged 16 and over who help out in restaurants; in this case, work is permitted until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. On Sundays and public holidays, working is generally prohibited for adolescents.
From the age of 15, school leavers have the opportunity to begin vocational training. School leavers are teenagers who left school after ten years or who hold a school qualification. When choosing a suitable training program, personal interests play a central role. In addition, applicants consider current job openings. By means of an application, the teenager expresses their interest. Some vocational schools carry out a selection process with an entrance test or an interview.
A dual vocational training consists of theoretical and practical units. In this case, the Youth Protection Act permits the work provided it does not morally or physically endanger the trainee. The employer documents all obligations in a training contract. The latter is signed by the trainee's legal representative. The future employer also signs the agreement and commits to providing the trainee with all training materials free of charge.
Teenagers who do not hold German nationality may, in some cases, require a work permit. This is issued by the immigration authority. If the job seeker holds citizenship of an EU member state, they do not need a permit to work. The same applies with a permanent residence permit. The employment agency advises teenagers on choosing suitable employment.
Apprenticeship occupations for teenagers
Those looking for a suitable apprenticeship can use the offerings of "Chance: Azubi". The association provides helpful information about the training opportunities offered by various companies. This includes the company Hero Glas. It has around 300 employees and manufactures various glass products. For teenagers there is the possibility to complete an apprenticeship as a flat glass technician, industrial clerk, glazier, mechatronics technician, professional driver, IT specialist, or product designer. In addition, Hero Glas offers several dual degree programs.
