Skilled Trades

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a program for students that opens the door to work in apprenticeship occupations through the co-operative 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.

For more information https://oyaptdsb.com/

Watch this FULL OYAP PRESENTATION on the skilled trades, apprenticeship and OYAP within the TDSB.


What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a pathway to a rewarding career in the trades. As an apprentice, you take classes and learn your trade by working under the direction of experienced workers – and get paid while you do it.

Where can I learn more about the different TDSB OYAP Programs?

Different types of OYAP Programs

  1. Accelerated OYAP

  2. Regular OYAP

  3. Specialized OYAP

  4. STEPS to Construction

  5. STEPS to Transportation

  6. PACE

https://oyaptdsb.com/programs

OYAP_Program_ Summary.pdf

When can I start?


To be an OYAP student you need:

  • to have 16 credits

  • to be 16 years old

  • to have co-op on your timetable


How to sign up?

  • Speak to your Guidance Counsellor for more information!


Cooperative Education

Cooperative education (Co-Op) is a credit course that provides the opportunity to use what is learned in the classroom and apply it in the workplace. Co-op is an opportunity to “try out” a career and can help with making decisions about your future. You will also develop work habits, attitudes and job skills necessary for a successful transition to post-secondary education or the workplace.

How to Participate


Students can apply to take a cooperative education program when selecting courses through the co-op or guidance office. Before being accepted, you must complete an application and interview. Before beginning a co-op placement, you will attend pre-placement classes to help prepare for the workplace. You will also continue to take scheduled classes throughout the placement.

There is no limit to the number of co-op credits you can take. Up to two cooperative education credits can also count towards your 18 compulsory credits.


Programs and Placements

A number of centralized placements are available through unique partnerships between the TDSB and a range of companies and organizations, including:

  • Banking and Finance (placements in Toronto financial district)

  • Canadian Armed Forces

  • Hospitality and Tourism (placements in hotels and restaurants)

  • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

  • Toronto Police Services

  • University Health Network (UHN)

  • Across Experiences (a Dance/Drama and Media Arts Co-op that aims to build cross-cultural understanding with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students through storytelling, theatre, dance and new media)

For further details and to learn more about placement options, special application procedures and deadline dates, speak with your Guidance Counsellor.