The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is a specialized program in high school that allows you to explore apprenticeship and consider careers in the skilled trades, generally starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the cooperative education program.

How Does OYAP Work? 

OYAP combines secondary school education with apprenticeship training.

Students:

• Register with a cooperative education program to access the OYAP option;

• Are required to successfully complete an interview with a qualified employer;

• Are placed in half-day (two credit) or full day (four credit) work experience placements;

• Receive and follow a Ministry approved training standard or schedule of training linked to a personalized placement learning plan;

• Must complete the course requirements of the cooperative education program (pre-employment orientation, integration days and assignments);

• Receive Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage;

• Receive trade specific safety training/WHMIS;

• Are regularly monitored by a cooperative education teacher while at the work experience placement

Who Qualifies for OYAP?

Students who demonstrate:

• a career focus;

• a commitment to learning a skilled trade;

• maturity, dependability and punctuality;

• a willingness to meet employer expectations.

In addition, students:

• must be at least 16 years of age and in either Grade 11 or Grade 12;

• must have secondary school courses related to the trade of their choice.

How Does a Student Apply for OYAP?

Students who are interested in OYAP are asked to:

- speak with their guidance counsellor;

- register with a cooperative education program to access the OYAP option.

OYAP meets Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Ministry of Education guidelines and is funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

How do students benefit from OYAP?

Through OYAP students can:

• begin a career in a skilled trade while in high school;

• develop trade related competencies and accumulate hours toward a skilled trade;

• make important connections in the world of work;

• increase opportunities for employment and post-secondary education;

• enter the work place directly after high school completion in careers with a future;

• reduce post-secondary education costs by earning while learning;

• earn coop credits for work experience placements in either half or full day placements;

• enrich school courses through trade related experience.