Iowa's Youth Employment Law: Waiver Application

Since July 1, 2023, and a legislative update to Iowa's Youth Employment Law (Senate File 542), Iowa employers been able to apply for a waiver that lets 16- and 17-year-olds participate in approved work-based learning or work-related programs that involve certain hazardous work activities under certain conditions. 

The waiver process involves coordination between Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), the Iowa Department of Education (IDOE), and the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL). You can read more information on the process below, as well as a list of hazardous and always prohibited activities and how the waiver may or may not apply in different cases. 

Iowa Workforce Development will make every effort to review program applications in a timely manner (in the order that they are received). For questions about your application or to discuss your program with the state, please contact youthemploymentwaiver@iwd.iowa.gov

What's Changed?

Senate File 542 introduced a process where employers can apply for an exemption (waiver) for approved work-based learning or employer-administered work-related programs that involve certain hazardous activities with 16- and 17-year-olds. These programs must take place under specific agreed-upon conditions (see Iowa Code § 92.8A). Employers with or without school partners may apply for the waiver. 

There are circumstances when the waiver requirement does not apply, such as when certain hazardous activities are involved. This occurs only when employers partner with schools that have approved work-based learning programs. These specific programs have conditions that are more stringent than the waiver requirements. 

Whether a waiver is needed will depend on each employer’s fact-specific circumstances, so it will be important for your company to thoroughly read the updated state law and consult with legal counsel. 

In addition, please note that a waiver will not be required under the following circumstances: 

  • Employers participating in Registered Apprenticeship (RA) Programs with high school students. A waiver is not needed as RA Programs already include a separate vetting process.
  • A waiver is also not needed for other types of school-related work-based learning programs that do not involve hazardous activities. 

Please view the steps and resources below to get started. Please contact the following email for any questions: youthemploymentwaiver@iwd.iowa.gov.

Youth Employment Waiver Process