Apprenticeship is an education and training program for people who enjoy learning by doing and who want to work in the skilled trades.  The training provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skill,  technical knowledge, and creativity.

An apprentice is a person who is working in an apprenticeable trade under the guidance of a journeyperson.

• 90% of apprenticeship training is hands-on, which employers provide at the workplace.

• 10% of apprenticeship training is classroom instruction, which takes place at a college or an approved training center.

• 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.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Career program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in grade 11 or grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program. Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming a certified journeyperson in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diploma.

Student enrolment guidelines?

Students who wish to enrol in OYAP must:

• be 15 years of age (16 for Construction trades)

• be a full time student in a secondary school

• have 14 high school credits

• be working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma

Benefits of OYAP

Benefits for Students

• an opportunity to get a ‘head start’ in an apprenticeship

• a seamless transition from school to post secondary training

• an opportunity to develop a valuable network of employers for future job opportunities

• valuable work experience, employability skills and an understanding of employer expectations

• an opportunity to explore interesting and creative apprenticeship occupations for career decision making

• an opportunity to become registered apprentices while working towards their secondary school diploma

Benefits for Employers

• helps identify and train future skilled trades people

• enables employers to participate directly in the education and training of students

• gives the employer the opportunity to observe and assess the capabilities of a potential apprentice before making a long term commitment

• assists in increasing the positive perception of the trades

• employers benefit from the student’s increasing performance and productivity