OYAP
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is an opportunity available in Ontario Secondary Schools for all students participating in Cooperative Education. Any student completing a cooperative education placement in a skilled trade is considered an OYAP student. OYAP allows students to get a jump-start on their future in the skilled trades while earning high school credits. OYAP students may have the choice of registering as an apprentice while at their placement if the supervisor is willing. By doing so, students will begin to accumulate hours and document basic trade related competencies towards a trade certification. To register as an apprentice while completing co-op credits, students must be at least 16 years of age and have 16 credits. Students must also demonstrate the work ethic required to be successful in the trades, including good academic standing and excellent attendance. Students with special needs are welcome to participate in OYAP if they have interest.
Regional OYAP
This innovative joint venture between the Durham District School Board, Durham College, Sir Sanford Fleming College, and the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities allows students to begin an apprenticeship AND complete part of the courses needed for apprenticeship training while still attending high school. Specific trades include Automotive Service Technician, Child Development Practitioner (formerly ECE), Cook, Electrician, General Carpenter, Hairstylist, Industrial Mechanic Millwright, Plumber and Welder. Upon completion of the course, students will have earned four high school credits, level 1 apprenticeship training and hundreds of hours logged towards their apprenticeship. Students may also find themselves being hired as an apprentice by the same employer if they are in a position to do so!
Program Details:
Students complete the Regional OYAP program in the second semester of their final year of high school.
OYAP is a 4-credit exit program; students must be in a position to graduate upon successful completion.
Students attend a Cooperative Education placement in their field of interest 2 or 3 days a week depending on the trade. The employer must be willing to sign the student on as an apprentice for the duration of the semester!
Students participate in Level 1 apprenticeship training for the remainder of the week at a MLTSD approved training facility (Durham College Whitby Campus, Fleming College McRae Campus or the Durham District School Board). This training is classified as a dual credit: students receive both high school credits AND college credits for participating.
Application:
Students apply in their grade 11 year during the course selection process and must partake in the regular co-op selection process.
If deemed a potential candidate by co-op staff, student services staff and administration, students will submit an application for the Regional OYAP Program to the Durham District School Board.
Students interview competitively at the board level for a seat in the program. Students will be interviewed by college and Local Industry Committee representatives.
If successful, a student will need to be placed with an employer who is willing to sign them on as an apprentice for the semester. Without this commitment from an employer, students CANNOT participate in the program. Co-op teachers will facilitate this, but there is no guarantee.
Eligibility:
Students must be in a position to graduate: have 26 credits by the end of first semester in their last year, earned all compulsory credits and have accumulated 40 hours of community involvement.
Students should have some technological subject experience in the field of interest and good grades in academic subjects.
Students must demonstrate exemplary attendance, attitudes and work ethic that will ensure success in the OYAP program.
A previous co-op experience in the trade or related field is strongly recommended.
Students must have a means of transportation to get to the co-op placement and adult training facility.