Jobs for 15-year-olds in Quebec: where to look and how to apply

If you're 15 and looking for your first paid job in Quebec, the useful question isn't just “Who hires at 15?” It's which jobs fit your age, your school schedule and the tasks you're actually allowed and prepared to do.

This guide explains the rules, suggests realistic kinds of work, and shows you how to apply without pretending you have experience. It is not a live list of employers currently hiring: minimum ages and openings vary by organization.

Can you legally work at 15 in Quebec?

Yes. The general minimum age for employment in Quebec is 14, so a 15-year-old may work. That does not mean every job is open at 15. Some employers set a minimum of 16 or 18 for specific duties or under their own policies.

An employer must consider the young worker's abilities, health, development and education, and provide appropriate training and supervision. The official starting point is the CNESST guide to young workers.

What changes — and what doesn't — between 14 and 15?

Turning 15 does not automatically let you work longer hours during the school year.

• School weeks: if you're required to attend school, the normal limit is 17 hours of work per week, including no more than 10 hours from Monday to Friday.
• Class time: your work cannot interfere with required classes.
• Late shifts: your schedule normally has to allow you to be home between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., including travel time. Certain legal exceptions apply.
• School breaks: the 17-hour and 10-hour caps do not apply during qualifying breaks of more than seven consecutive days without educational services, but other protections can still apply.
• Consent: the CNESST's special employment-consent form concerns certain permitted jobs under age 14. Separately, MonGig requires parental consent for users under 18 as a platform safeguard.

Read the CNESST's exact rules on school attendance and work schedules, then see MonGig's parent information if you plan to sign up.

What kinds of jobs could suit a 15-year-old?

Look at actual duties, minimum-age requirements and supervision, not just the job title.

Community events and recreation

Community centres, organized activities and local events may need help greeting visitors, setting up materials or guiding participants. Ask who will supervise you and whether the role accepts 15-year-olds.

Retail and customer support

Depending on the business, light shelving, labelling, displays and customer assistance may be worth exploring. A store's presence near you does not mean it is hiring people your age.

Food service and event support

Some teams offer entry-level greeting or support tasks. Get clear answers about equipment, training, shift times and any restrictions. Do not assume that every task in a café or restaurant is suitable for a minor.

Tutoring, sports and school activities

If you enjoy a school subject or a sport, you might explore structured homework support, scorekeeping or activity assistance with appropriate adult oversight.

These are possibilities, not guaranteed vacancies or blanket approval for particular tasks. Start with MonGig's opportunity catalogue and sign in where required to see full listing details.

How to spot a realistic posting in two minutes

Before applying, check five things:

1. Minimum age: does the posting accept applicants who are 15?
2. Responsibilities: what would you do, and who will train you?
3. Hours: can you do the shifts without missing school or sacrificing study time?
4. Travel: can you get there and home safely and reliably?
5. Conditions: are the pay, location, duration and application process clear?

Never pay to get an interview. Be cautious of private requests for identity documents, meetings in isolated locations, or vague employers with no verifiable identity. Review MonGig's safety guidance and talk to a trusted adult if anything seems off.

A sample school-week schedule

Imagine two two-hour shifts after school, on Tuesday and Thursday, plus a four-hour Saturday shift. That's eight hours total, four of them on weekdays: below the usual school-year caps when those caps apply.

It's an example, not an ideal schedule for everyone. Sports, homework, exams and commuting take time too. Decide how many hours you can genuinely manage before you apply, and tell employers about exam weeks early.

How to apply when you have almost no résumé

You don't need to invent paid experience. Use a simple one-page résumé with your school level, realistic availability and two or three examples of being dependable. Those might come from a class project, sports team, volunteering, student club or regular responsibility.

For each posting:

1. Confirm the minimum age and main tasks.
2. Add one sentence about why that particular role interests you.
3. Give your real availability.
4. Proofread your message and keep a copy.
5. Follow up politely after the stated response window has passed.

A short application message you can adapt

Hello, I'm a high-school student looking for my first part-time job. I'm available on Saturdays and two evenings after class. I'm interested in your opening because I enjoy helping people and learning new tasks. Thank you for considering my application.

Only keep the details that are true for you. For more résumé and interview help, read how to get a first student job without experience.

Three questions worth asking in an interview

• “What is the minimum age for all the duties in this position?” A broad title can hide tasks reserved for older applicants.
• “Who will train me during my first shifts?” Look for a concrete answer.
• “How are schedules handled during exam periods?” This tells you whether the employer understands student availability.

If a proposed shift would make you miss class or get home too late under the applicable rules, say so. You shouldn't have to bend the rules to land a first job.

What about summer jobs for 15-year-olds?

Start researching before the summer you want to work, then check each employer's minimum age, start date, expected hours, training and end date. Ask whether summer work could turn into an after-school role when classes resume.

The school-year hour limits have an exception for qualifying school breaks longer than seven consecutive days. That doesn't mean “anything goes in summer”: your circumstances, any late-shift restrictions and general safety duties still matter.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience to get a job at 15?

Not for every role. Some employers welcome beginners; others require experience or a higher minimum age. Show evidence of reliability and willingness to learn.

Does a parent have to sign for every job?

The CNESST's special written-consent form relates to certain exceptions for children under 14; it isn't automatically required for all 15-year-olds. Employers may have their own procedures. MonGig separately requires parental consent for its under-18 users.

How do I find jobs for 15-year-olds near me?

Filter opportunities by age eligibility, travel and workable shifts, not just distance. Explore student jobs in Quebec and the MonGig opportunities catalogue.

Is working at 15 different from working at 14?

The main school-attendance restrictions remain similar. Our jobs-for-14-year-olds guide covers the earlier starting point. At 15, focus on each employer's own age threshold and how a role fits your commitments.

Bottom line: the right first job at 15 is one with safe tasks, a school-friendly schedule and clear expectations — not simply the first place willing to interview you.