The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and gain training in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program. There are over 150+ skilled trades to choose from!
Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas. The goals of OYAP are to:
- Provide students with the opportunity to start training in a skilled trade while completing the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma;
- Enable students to make the school to work transition by direct entry into apprenticeship training;
- Provide employers with the opportunity to train the skilled workers they require;
- Provide a viable solution to address the problem of skilled tradespeople shortages in general, and specifically the lack of young people joining the trades.
Who should consider Apprenticeship?
Every student, aged 16 or older with 16 or more credits enrolled full time in a York Region secondary school, has the opportunity to be involved in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Students must be enrolled in a grade 11 or 12 Cooperative Education Program, Personalized Alternative Education Program, or Exploring Opportunities Program at their school.
What is Apprenticeship?
- Apprenticeship is an education and training program for people who enjoy learning by doing and want to work in the skilled trades
- An apprentice is a person enrolled in a skilled trade to learn specific skills related to the profession
- 90% of apprenticeship training is hands-on, provided by employers at the workplace
- 10% of apprenticeship training is classroom instruction, usually at a community college or approved training organization
- Apprenticeships take 2 to 5 years to complete, depending on the trade
- Upon completion, the apprentice receives a Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Apprentice, indicating they are now a skilled professional
What is an “Accelerated” Program?
- Offered Semester 2 only
- Through Accelerated programs students can earn high school credits, register as an apprentice, complete part or all of their Level One apprenticeship schooling in a specific trade, and earn hours towards their apprenticeship training. In some cases, a student may earn money while registered as an OYAP student participating in an Accelerated program.
Accelerated Programs Available:
- Automotive Technician
- Cook
- Early Childhood Educator
- Electrician
- General Carpenter
- Plumber
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
How to apply?
Consult your grade appropriate google classroom for information and make an appointment to speak with your guidance counselor.