Accerlated OYAP - Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) promotes careers in the skilled professions. It meets the needs of students who are considering apprenticeship as a pathway to full-time, life-long employment immediately aftergraduating.
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is an education and training program for people who enjoy learning by doing and who want to work in the skilled trades
An apprentice is a person who is enrolled in a skilled trade for the purpose of learning the specific skills related to that profession
90% of apprenticeship training is hands-on, which employers provide at the workplace
10% of apprenticeship training is classroom instruction, which usually takes place at a community college or an approved training organization
An apprenticeship takes from 2 to 5 years to complete, depending on the trade
An apprenticeship is finished when the apprentice completes 100% of the education and training, both in class and on the job, and passes an examination. The apprentice then receives a Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Apprenticeship (depending on the trade), which indicates that he/she is now a skilled professional.
What is an Accelerated program?
Many students may have already had an opportunity through Cooperative Education programs at school or through a part-time job to experience a particular trade that really interests them.
Through several partnerships with colleges and local unions, programs have been created that give students an enriching experience in a skilled profession. Working closely with these training delivery agents, students have an opportunity to be taught by professional instructors in state of the art facilities that give students a head start in the world of apprenticeship.
Through the Accelerated OYAP program students can earn high school credits, register as an apprentice, complete part or all of their Level One apprenticeship schooling in a specific trade, and earn hours/demonstrate competencies towards their apprenticeship through their co-op placement. Students in Accelerated OYAP may be eligible for various government apprenticeship incentives.