Empowering Educators. Protecting Students.

Learn how CAWEE ensures safe, compliant, and meaningful work experiences for students across California.
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CAWEE Trains Educators

Our professional development tool is an invaluable resource.

Exploratory

EWEE is a combination of job observations and related classroom instruction in WEE.

General

GWEE provides students with a combination of supervised employment in any occupational field and classroom instruction.

Career Technical

CTWEE requires a worksite placement or employment related to a Career Technical Education course of study.

The California Association of Work Experience Educators (CAWEE) leads the way in supporting work-based learning professionals and students in grades TK-14 while educating all stakeholders on child labor laws and work permit compliance. CAWEE will continue to be the leader in promoting high-quality career readiness programs.

Work Experience Educators can become a CAWEE member take our training program - now 100% online! Learn about issuing work permits to students and how to create the ultimate work experience curriculum. Active CAWEE members will have exclusive access to the one and only CAWEE-endorsed training program. Register today!

California Association of Work Experience Educators 2025-2026

Tim Riche’
May 27, 2025

GREETINGS from the CAWEE President.

**Finally**

Since becoming president of CAWEE, I’ve realized that my original timeline was a bit ambitious. What I hoped to accomplish in six months actually took closer to eleven. But I’m proud to say, we’ve made real progress:

* We launched a brand-new website—one that’s easier to edit and more cost-effective to maintain.

* We overhauled the certification test, streamlining the process and updating the content to be more relevant. It’s now easier to modify and expand, giving us the flexibility to grow.

* We added a few new board members (and we’re still looking for more—being involved isn’t hard or time-consuming!) and improved our communication within the board.

* And, excitingly, we’re bringing the CAWEE Conference back to Sacramento! Mark your calendars: October 9–10. Even if you’re not planning to attend, sign up for updates. The event will feature a variety of presentations, opportunities to connect with fellow educators, and the chance to leave with a certification.

As we celebrate our 60th anniversary (yes, I didn’t realize it either!), I’m truly excited for what’s ahead. Our mission remains strong: to support teachers, guide education in California, and ensure student safety and meaningful experiences.

Sincerely,

Tim Riche’

CAWEE President 2025-2026

Tim Riche' (Ree-shay)

Email: triche@cawee.org

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FAQs

Everything you need to know about the product and billing. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Is a school always required to issue a work permit to an eligible minor?
No, issuing a work permit is at the discretion of the school district.
Does a high school graduate or a minor who has passed the California High School Proficiency Exam need a work permit?
No, once a minor is no longer subject to compulsory education laws, a work permit is not required.
May a minor have more than one work permit?
Yes, a minor can hold multiple work permits for different employers, but total working hours must comply with legal limits.
May a minor who is not a California resident or not enrolled in the school district be issued a work permit?
Yes, provided the minor resides in the district issuing the permit; enrollment in the school is not mandatory.
May a truant or "dropout" be issued a work permit?
No, minors violating compulsory school attendance laws cannot be issued work permits.
May an expelled minor be issued a work permit?
Yes, expelled minors receiving educational services are eligible for work permits.
Is a parent/employer required to obtain a work permit for his/her child who works for the family business?
Yes, all employed minors need work permits, regardless of their relationship to the employer.
Does a parent/employer have to provide Workers' Compensation Insurance for his/her children/employees?
Yes, Workers' Compensation Insurance is mandatory for all employees, including the employer's children.
Does an emancipated minor need a work permit to be employed?
Yes, emancipated minors are still required to obtain work permits for employment.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Support

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
Is a school always required to issue a work permit to an eligible minor?
Yes, provided the minor resides in the district issuing the permit; enrollment in the school is not mandatory.
Does a high school graduate or a minor who has passed the California High School Proficiency Exam need a work permit?
No, once a minor is no longer subject to compulsory education laws, a work permit is not required.
May a minor have more than one work permit?
Yes, a minor can hold multiple work permits for different employers, but total working hours must comply with legal limits.
May a minor who is not a California resident or not enrolled in the school district be issued a work permit?
Yes, provided the minor resides in the district issuing the permit; enrollment in the school is not mandatory.
May a truant or "dropout" be issued a work permit?
No, minors violating compulsory school attendance laws cannot be issued work permits.
May an expelled minor be issued a work permit?
Yes, expelled minors receiving educational services are eligible for work permits.
Is a parent/employer required to obtain a work permit for his/her child who works for the family business?
Yes, all employed minors need work permits, regardless of their relationship to the employer.
Does a parent/employer have to provide Workers' Compensation Insurance for his/her children/employees?
Yes, Workers' Compensation Insurance is mandatory for all employees, including the employer's children.
Does an emancipated minor need a work permit to be employed?
Yes, emancipated minors are still required to obtain work permits for employment.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?

Our friendly team is here to help.
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CAWEE Newsletter July 2023

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Many who have attended CAWEE's Work Permit Training may already know, but for those that have not, please be aware that classified personnel can NOT sign work permits. We are finding many school districts are out of …
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