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’
January 15, 2026

GREETINGS from the CAWEE President

Hi Fellow CAWEE Partners,

I love snow skiing. So far this year, I’ve made it up to China Peak twice. On my most recent trip, I went down a trail I rarely ski. From the top near Chair 7, I took a different path, and as I came around the corner, it opened up into a much longer run than I expected.

That’s exactly what 2025 has felt like for CAWEE.

In 2024, we dove in—organizing, building structure, and making changes. In 2025, we focused on planning a conference, building relationships, expanding our board, and honestly hoping it all came together.

It did.

We hosted a great conference, welcomed fresh faces, and had the opportunity to support and connect so many people. Those connections didn’t stop at the conference—they’re still happening. I continue to hear stories of growth, collaboration, and progress, all of which ultimately lead to safer, better-prepared students as they move beyond the classroom.

The trail has opened up—and we still have plenty of skiing ahead.

In March, we are planning a Zoom-style event with the goal of gathering ideas we can take to the state level. We hope to address and improve some of the challenges around permit processes and other student safety issues.

Please save the date for our next conference: October 8–9, 2026, in Los Angeles. We’ll be hosting at the California Endowment, located at 100 North Alameda Street, right in the shadow of Dodger Stadium. As always, our goal is to alternate between Northern and Southern California locations. The conference will be a day and a half, wrapping up by lunchtime to help everyone get out before traffic ramps up. We’ll also host a Thursday evening meet-and-greet and hope you’ll join us.

Lastly, please stay in touch. I do my best to check CAWEE email a few times each week. As we continue to advocate for our programs and our students, I hope your skis stay smooth and your trail keeps opening up into fresh powder.

Enjoy the spring semester—it goes fast.

Sincerely,

Tim Riche’

CAWEE President

Tim Riche' (Ree-shay)

Email: triche@cawee.org

CAWEE Conference 2026 – Celebrating 61 Years!
Los Angeles are you Ready?

Join us as CAWEE proudly celebrates 61 years of leadership in work-based learning! This year’s conference is your opportunity to gain valuable knowledge about California’s child labor laws and student workplace safety. Build meaningful partnerships, exchange innovative ideas, and gain access to vital resources that will help you better support the students you serve.

Who Should Attend:

This event is open to teachers, administrators, support staff, and anyone interested in learning about the laws surrounding child labor and youth safety in California. It’s an excellent opportunity to network with professionals across the state, gain insight from experienced educators, and develop strategies that positively impact students.

What to Expect:

The conference will cover foundational knowledge, how to access and interpret relevant regulations, and how to design meaningful, legal, and safe work-based learning experiences for students. Upon completion of the two-day event, participants will earn certification valid for four semesters.

When:
October 8 and 9th, 2026
Full Day Thursday
Half Day Friday
Where:
The California Endowment
1000 North Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Cost:
$470 - Includes training, resources, and certification through Summer of 2028
Hotel Information:
We did not secure a room block this year. However, government rates were found to be more affordable at nearby hotels. We encourage early booking to secure the best pricing.

Still have questions?

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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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