The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a secondary school Co-operative Education option for students interested in pursuing a career in the Skilled Trades. OYAP provides students with an opportunity to earn credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma while acquiring skills and knowledge in their chosen trade
OYAP is also able to provide the opportunity for selected students to complete their Level 1 Apprenticeship in selected Skilled Trades in partnership with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and Conestoga College.
Packaged programs that combine apprenticeship training and co-operative education are offered in:
Brick and Stone Mason
Cook
Industrial Mechanic Millwright
Truck and Coach Mechanic
In Canada, many people assume that an apprenticeship is either a government-sponsored "training program", or it is similar to a "co-operative (co-op) program" for which you can enroll or register at your local college or post-secondary training institution. This is not exactly the case. An apprenticeship is an agreement that is signed by the apprentice, the employer and the apprenticeship authority (office) of the province/territory where the apprentice and the employer work.
After you sign your apprenticeship training agreement you will:
learn a trade from your employer and fulfill the training and education requirements for your trade that are established by the government apprenticeship authority (office) of the province/territory where you will work,
generally, you will alternate between period of work "on-the-job" (up to 80% of the time) and periods of "in-class" instruction (20% of the time). After you have fulfilled your on-the-job and in-class requirements (anywhere from 2-5 years or more depending on the trade), you will take a provincial/territorial trade exam,
to write the provincial qualification exam, applicants must prove they have experience in the trade. Examples of proof including completion of an apprenticeship contract, documentation showing that training time meets at least minimum industry standards, or proof of sufficient relevant experience as a skilled worker.
when you pass the exam, you will have the legal right to work as a fully-qualified tradesperson (also known as a "journeyperson" in your province/territory.
Helpful Links
http://oyap.com/en/index.cfm