On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 9:00–11:00am, Penn State Extension will host a webinar panel titled “Strategies for Employing a Youth Workforce” as part of the AgWorks program. Center Staff Attorney Audry Thompson will present on child labor laws as part of the panel.
From Penn State Extension:
Build a stronger youth workforce with confidence. Join industry and legal experts to learn hiring requirements, mentoring strategies, and workforce resources for employing youth workers successfully.
Do you hire youth workers, or are you considering adding them to your workforce? This engaging webinar is designed to support employers in successfully recruiting, training, and managing youth employees. A panel of experts will share practical guidance and real-world insights, featuring representatives from the LEAF Project, the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, and PA CareerLink® Youth Programs. Topics will include key legal considerations when employing minors, best practices for mentoring and training young workers, and an overview of programs and resources that can help employers identify, hire, and potentially offset the costs of youth employment. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of compliance requirements, effective supervision strategies, and available workforce development supports to build a safe, productive, and sustainable youth employment experience. The second hour will provide an opportunity for more detailed discussion and allow participants to ask specific questions directly to the panelists.
- Employers
- Farm owners
- Managers and supervisors
- Human resources representatives
- Agribusiness owners
- Individuals and organizations interested in hiring youth workers
- Overview of PA CareerLink Youth Programs and available supports for employers
- Key labor laws and regulations related to employing minors
- Best practices for effectively mentoring, training, and supervising youth workers
This webinar is open to everyone at no cost, thanks to an AgWorks grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. To help track grant reach and eligibility, participants will be asked questions about their farm or agribusiness during registration. Responses will remain confidential and will not be shared outside the project team.
As part of the AgWorks grant initiative, no-cost training and consultation services are available to qualifying small- to medium-sized farms and agribusinesses in Pennsylvania. For more information, visit AgWorks.
This event is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry through funding from the U.S. Department of Labor.
This event is being offered at no charge to participants.
Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar.
A link to the recorded webinar will be emailed to registrants within ten business days after the live event. The recording will be accessible for six months from the event date.
