(a) For any occupation, the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing or his or her designee may provide, by rule, after a public hearing at which any person may be heard, for the employment in the occupation of learners, apprentices, and full-time students at wages lower than the minimum wage rate provided in § 11-4-210(b) as he or she may find appropriate to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment and to safeguard the minimum wage rate under this subchapter.
(b) No employee shall be employed at wages fixed pursuant to this section, except under special license issued under applicable rules of the secretary or his or her designee.