New workers that have no experience or skill for a specific position may be paid no less than 85% of the minimum wage for the first 160 hours of work.

New workers that have no experience or skill for a specific position may be paid no less than 85% of the minimum wage for the first 160 hours of work.

• A. Apprentices
• B. Trainees
• C. Interns
• D. Learners

Answer: (D)

In California, there is a wage allowance for workers who have no prior experience in a specific position. During the first 160 hours of work, these learners can be paid 85% of the minimum wage to help them gain the necessary skills. The term used for these individuals in this rule is learners, which distinguishes them from other categories like apprentices, trainees, or interns—each of which carries different program structures and wage rules. This 160-hour learning period is designed to give the employer a way to train someone while still providing a reduced-entry wage, after which the worker earns at least the minimum wage for all hours worked.

In California, there is a wage allowance for workers who have no prior experience in a specific position. During the first 160 hours of work, these learners can be paid 85% of the minimum wage to help them gain the necessary skills. The term used for these individuals in this rule is learners, which distinguishes them from other categories like apprentices, trainees, or interns—each of which carries different program structures and wage rules. This 160-hour learning period is designed to give the employer a way to train someone while still providing a reduced-entry wage, after which the worker earns at least the minimum wage for all hours worked.