Classic OYAP happens through co-operative education. It is a work placement in a skilled trade. Students can begin co-op as soon as they are 15 years of age and have 14 credits. Students wishing to work on a construction site must be 16 years old.
Spending time on the job learning from a qualified tradesperson is the best way to learn a trade. It is also a great opportunity to see if it’s really something you would like to commit to. The hours that you accumulate during your co-op placement can be counted towards your apprenticeship should you choose to continue.
Any student that is doing a co-operative education in a skilled trade must have a completed and signed OYAP Participant form.
You must be at least 15 years old (though you must be 16 to work on a construction site).
You need to have completed at least 14 high school credits toward your OSSD.
Good Attendance: Employers rely on you to show up; poor attendance in school is often a deal-breaker for OYAP.
Strong Work Ethic: You’ll be representing your school in a professional environment.
A Clear Interest: You should have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in the skilled trades.
Most require travel of 1 hour from Earl Haig
Classic OYAP is built directly into the Cooperative Education program
Meet with the Earl Haig teacher coordinating regarding Classic OYAP and attend OYAP information sessions.
Apply for Co-op: Select "Co-op" during your course selection process.
Trade-Specific Placement: Your Co-op placement must be in one of Ontario’s 144+ apprenticeship trades(e.g., automotive, plumbing, hairstyling, cook, etc.).
OYAP Participant Form: Once you have a trade-related placement, you and your parents (if you’re under 18) must sign an OYAP Participant Application Form. This officially registers you as an OYAP student.
Note that applications are NOT accepted by xoTO unless they are registered by an Earl Haig Coop teacher. Please use this website to understand the requirements and read about the applications, but speak to the Earl Haig Co-Op department before applying.