The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations through the Cooperative Education program.

Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas.

The Cooperative education (Co-op) program provides Grade 11 and 12 students with the opportunity to earn High School credits through the completion of a semester-long unpaid work placement. 

TRANSPORTATION & AGRICULTURE

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized high school program that allows students to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and focus their learning on a specific economic sector at the same time.

Students develop skills for their future careers, graduate high school with industry certifications and training and earn an SHSM seal on their high school diploma.

To complete an SHSM, students need to:

• complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in  the student’s selected field

• earn industry certifications like first aid and CPR qualifications

• gain on-the-job skills through cooperative education placements

When students complete an SHSM, they will get:

• a high school diploma with an embossed SHSM seal

• an SHSM record that has details of credit bundle, certifications, placements and other experiences

• formal recognition on their Ontario Student Transcript