Part-time Student Jobs in Quebec: Build School-Friendly Schedules

A student who can work three evenings a week sounds like a perfect fit for your open shifts. But classes, exams, commuting and the rules for young workers can turn a vague promise of “flexibility” into a difficult schedule. Here is a practical way for Quebec shops, restaurants and small businesses to offer part-time student jobs that fit around school.

Start with age and compulsory school attendance

In Quebec, 14 is the usual minimum working age, with limited legal exceptions for younger children. For scheduling, though, the key question is whether the young person is still required to attend school.

The CNESST explains that compulsory attendance generally continues through the last school day of the school year in which a young person turns 16, with certain graduation-related exceptions. Check the candidate's situation rather than assuming every 16-year-old has identical work-hour limits.

Know the limits during the school year

For a young worker who is still subject to compulsory school attendance, employers must plan around three requirements:

• No more than 17 working hours per week, including a maximum of 10 hours from Monday through Friday.
• No shifts during school hours.
• A schedule that allows the young person to be home between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., subject to limited legal exceptions.

The 17-hour and 10-hour caps do not apply during breaks lasting more than seven consecutive days when no educational services are provided, such as some school holidays. This does not remove other employment, overnight-work or safety obligations. See the CNESST's official young-worker scheduling guidance before increasing hours.

A realistic example: a 14-hour week

Imagine a 15-year-old whose classes end early enough to travel safely to and from these shifts:

• Tuesday: 4:30–7:30 p.m. — 3 hours.
• Thursday: 4:30–7:30 p.m. — 3 hours.
• Saturday: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — 5 hours.
• Sunday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. — 3 hours.

That is 14 hours total, with 6 hours from Monday through Friday. Both weekly-hour caps are respected, provided the schedule does not overlap classes, commuting is realistic, and all other requirements—such as breaks, meals, rest and safety—are met. It is an illustration, not a ready-made legal schedule for every worker.

You do not need to schedule up to the legal limit. Eight to twelve hours may be a better starting point during exam periods or a student's first weeks on the job.

Ask about sustainable availability, not just open time slots

Before posting a job, distinguish between when a student could work and when they can reliably work. Ask:

• Which days are realistic once school and commuting are included?
• How many hours feel manageable during normal weeks and exam weeks?
• When do classes finish, and are there regular extracurricular commitments?
• How much advance notice helps when schedules change?

Then make the job posting specific. Include responsibilities, location, expected hours or shifts, pay, training and supervision. “Flexible schedule” without examples can leave applicants guessing.

For broader recruiting advice, read our guide to hiring students in Quebec. When you're ready to describe an opening, visit Hire students on MonGig.

Treat onboarding and supervision as part of the schedule

A first-time worker often needs more support, not less. Assign an accessible supervisor, demonstrate tasks step by step and make it easy to ask questions or report hazards. Check that duties are appropriate for the young person's age, abilities and training.

The CNESST requires employers to provide appropriate training, supervision and protective equipment. Build training time into your staffing plan and check the pay, break and record-keeping standards that apply to your workplace.

Frequently asked scheduling questions

Can I schedule more hours during school holidays?

The 17-hour weekly cap and 10-hour weekday cap have an exception for periods longer than seven consecutive days without educational services. Check the actual school calendar, other applicable rules and the student's own availability before offering more hours.

Do the same hour limits apply to a 17-year-old?

Generally, the specific compulsory-school-attendance hour caps no longer apply at age 17. General employment standards and workplace safety obligations still apply. A schedule can be legal and still be too demanding alongside school.

Better student jobs begin with clear expectations

A realistic hour range, an understandable job description and a supervisor who is available make it easier for students to succeed and for employers to plan. You can also explore the student jobs page to understand the experience designed for candidates on MonGig.

Looking to hire? See how to offer a student job on MonGig and share your expected schedule from the start.

Rules checked against CNESST guidance on October 26, 2026. Official law and rules specific to the position take precedence over this practical guide.