The primary function of the work is to expand the student's educational experience. Special coordination between employer, employee, and the school is required. Youth under 16 years of age may work if they have completed a certified tractor or machine operation training course. Most courses are available from local extension offices, generally in the spring, and require a course fee. A similar course is offered through public school systems by the Vocational Agriculture Training Program.
Information is available from the vocational agriculture teacher in the local school district.
Youth under 16 years of age may detassel corn during summer months. Iowa code exempts work in the production of seed, limited to removal of corn tassels and hand-pollination, during the months of June, July, and August. Youth can work from a detasseling machine, but they are not allowed to operate it. Federal law states that youth may not work during school hours. An exemption is made in Iowa for detasseling work.