With its headquarters in College Park, Georgia, Chick-Fil-A is one of the biggest fast-food chains in America that specializes in chicken sandwiches. It was established in 1946 and currently operates over a thousand branches in the United States. Chick-Fil-A might seem like just a restaurant, but it is a great place to build your resume, you stand a chance of getting a college scholarship and it clears the path to a fulfilling career. With all these benefits one might begin to wonder what it takes to work there. One of the questions that are bound to come up is “Does Chick-Fil-A hire 14 and 15-year-olds?”
Does Chick-Fil-A Hire 14 or 15?
Chick-Fil-A hires 14 and 15-year-olds, but with the appropriate permit, and qualifications, and in states that legally allow 14 and 15-year-olds to work. For a better understanding, let’s take a detailed look at the requirements.
States That Legally Allow 14 and 15-year-olds to Work
- North Carolina
- Nebraska
- Maryland
- Idaho
- Utah
- Illinois
North Carolina
With over a hundred branches in North Carolina, Chick-Fil-A gives 14 and 15-year old’s numerous opportunities for employment provided they meet the criteria of the state. The state of North Carolina legally permits 14- and 15-year-olds to acquire a job, but not without some necessary conditions. These conditions are as follows:
- All minors must obtain a work permit or a Youth Employment Certificate
- Employers must make sure the minor possesses these documents
- The employer has to verify the age of the minor
- The employer must obey child labor laws
- The employer must maintain the certificate until 2 years after the minor terminates employment, or until the minor turns 20.
Nebraska
Chick-Fil-A occupies about eleven stores in Nebraska, five in Omaha, three in Lincoln, one in Bellevue, one in Papillion, and one in Kearney. Nebraska is another state in the United States that allows minors aged 14 and 15 to work legally, as long as they acquire a work permit which is referred to as an Employment Certificate in Nebraska.
Maryland
Chick-Fil-A occupies over 80 stores in Maryland which is spread out perfectly across the state. Kids who reside in Maryland and wish to work at Chick-Fil-A have the opportunity to do so since the State of Maryland legally permits 14 and 15-year-olds to work. Work permits are mandatory for minors in Maryland, which must be acquired by the minor and given to the employer before he is allowed to resume any duties.
Idaho
The fast-food restaurant chain occupies about 10 stores in Idaho, with the majority in Boise. Fortunately, the state of Idaho allows minors aged 14 and 15 to work, provided they fulfill the requirements. The state of Idaho limits the hours, days, and occupations that minors are permitted to work. Similar to other states, Idaho demands that minors aged 14 and 15 must acquire a work permit.
Utah
There are over 30 Chick-Fil-A stores in Utah, the majority of which are located in Salt Lake City and Saint George. Surprisingly, minors aged 14 and 15 who live in Utah do not need to obtain a work permit, all they have to do is find a job. However, the state protects the interests of the minor through the teen labor laws. These laws prevent minors from working in places that deal with alcohol or its consumption, and hazardous occupations, and limit their working hours.
Illinois
In Illinois, Chick-Fil-A occupies more than 50 stores, with the majority located in Chicago. The state of Illinois allows 14 and 15-year-olds to work, provided the minor and employer follow the guidelines. Similar to most of the states mentioned, Illinois instructs minors to acquire a work permit before starting work.
Occupations Minors are Permitted to Hold
- Janitorial jobs
- Farm work
- Fast food
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Lawn care
- Tutoring
- Service stations
- Kitchen work
- Delivery work
Occupations Minors are Prohibited to Hold
- Mining
- Plants that manufacture explosives
- Driver
- Running elevator
- Slaughtering of meat
- Making brick or any related products
- Roofing
- Demolition
- Excavation
- Operating power-driven machines.
General Restrictions
- Minors aged 14 and 15 are allowed to work only between 6 am and 9 pm
- They are permitted to work for 9 hours a day and 54 hours a week and must not exceed that
- They are not permitted to work during public school hours
How to Obtain a Work Permit?
Fortunately, obtaining a work permit is not a difficult task. Minors who wish to be gainfully employed can follow the steps below:
- Find an employer willing to hire; since we have established that Chick-Fil-A hires minors aged 14 and 15, this should be an easy step.
- Fill out an application in which you provide the relevant information such as date of birth and Social Security number.
- Provide any relevant means of identification such as a passport, State issued photo ID, driver’s license, or birth certificate.
- Valid signature of parent or guardian on the application.
- Go to an authorized issuer, usually a high school superintendent for verification.
Benefits of Working at Chick-Fil-A
- Free drinks
- Discount on meals
- Flexible schedule
- Meals on duty
- Opportunity to earn scholarships
- 50% discount for family members
- Excellent job training
In conclusion, Chick-Fil-A hires minors aged 14 and 15, provided they reside in a state where it is legal and they both follow the laws laid down by the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some interview tips for Chick-Fil-A?
Be cautious of your body language, maintain a genuine smile, make good eye contact, and talk about things you’re passionate about.
- Who is the owner of Chick-Fil-A?
Chick-Fil-A was founded late by S. Truett Cathy in 1967 but is currently run by his two sons Dan and Bubba Cathy.
- Can a minor have more than one work permit?
Yes, if you are working for more than one employer, you may need more than one work permit. However, while working more than one job, you must not exceed the total hours permitted by the law.
- What is the minimum wage for minors?
According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, employees under the age of 20 are entitled to a minimum of $4.25 per hour.
