Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprentice is studying under the guidance of a journeyperson, completing on-the-job training as well as trade school requirements in order to become a qualified tradesperson.

What is OYAP?

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program provides secondary school students the opportunity to be registered with the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU) as an apprentice while still in high school, earning co-operative education credits.

Why register for OYAP?

The benefits of being a registered OYAP student are:

• receive co-operative education credits; working towards OSSD

• formally registered as an apprentice; no registration fees

• begin to master skills needed to become a qualified tradesperson; at an earlier age than most!

• a MTCU Training Consultant will track the student's skills in the Apprenticeship Training Standards booklet

• a MTCU Traning Consultant will support the student with trade related information

• a MTCU Training Consultant ensures appropriate training is occurring at the placement

• designed to help smooth transition to post-secondary education

• promotes EMPLOYABILITY

Who can register for OYAP?

In order to register for OYAP, students must meet the following criteria:

• 16 years of age or older

• have completed at least 16 credits towards OSSD

• currently enrolled in co-operative education

• planning on a career in an apprenticeable trade (construction, industrial, motive power, or service sector)

Please see "Apprenticeship in Ontario" poster file below for trade industry jobs.

When does OYAP happen?

OYAP occurs during the student's co-operative education placement under the supervision of a qualified MTCU supervisor.

Where does OYAP happen?

Students complete OYAP at their co-operative education placement that has been approved by the MTCU. For example, a student wishing to become a plumber, must be working under a qualified plumber.

How do you register for OYAP?

You register through your co-op teacher.

• Check with your employer - Are they willing to sponsor you?

• Ask your co-op teacher for the OYAP registration forms - there are 2 forms

• Double check the information on these forms - add your SIN

• You and your parents/guardians must sign both pages

• Submit these to your co-op teacher

• MTCU will contact the employer directly

What if your employer has questions about OYAP?

Please see "Employer's Guide to OYAP" file below.