Apprenticeship/OYAP

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) offers full-time secondary school students the opportunity to train as apprentices while enrolled in school through Cooperative Education placements.

In the first year of the program (grade 11), the student is exploring the skilled trade. The student is usually a registered apprentice in the second year (grade 12). OYAP allows students to complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and to gain apprenticeship training leading to a Certificate of Qualification with journeyperson status in a skilled trade.

An apprenticeship is a hands-on program for people who want to work in a skilled trade and who enjoy learning by doing. More than 156 trade specialties exist, including automotive, construction, manufacturing, and service industries.


Why OYAP?

Do you learn best by doing? Do you have a strong interest in an apprenticeship occupation? If so, then OYAP may be for you!


OYAP students must meet the following requirements:

  • be at least 16 years old

  • have completed 16 credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) prior to starting the program

  • plan to complete the OSSD

  • be enrolled as a full-time student during the program


Other suggested criteria to be an OYAP student:

  • be responsible and mature

  • be competent in math and science

  • have strong communication skills

  • able to commit to a 3-4 year training program


Apprenticeship Timeline – Planning for Your Future:

  • Apprenticeship is 90% work (hours worked on-the-job with an employer) and 10% college training.

  • Each college training session is generally 6-8 weeks long.

  • Each level of the apprenticeship training will cost the student approximately $400.00 to $600.00


Apprenticeship Sectors:

  • Construction: Brick / Stone Mason; Electrician; Plumber; Hoisting Engineer; Sheet Metal Worker

  • Industrial Sector: Industrial Electrician; Cabinetmaker; Mould Maker; Locksmith; Pattern Maker

  • Motive Power Sector: Auto Body Repairer; Auto Service Technician; Marine Engine Technician

  • Service Sector: Baker, Chef, Hairstylist, Educational Assistant


Why Apprenticeship?

  • Apprentices are workers so they earn while they learn.

  • In the next two decades, 40 per cent of new jobs will be in the skilled trades.

  • More people in the skilled trades are retiring than are entering the system.

  • Many peopled in skilled trades now make six-figure incomes with excellent benefits. 

  • According to Job Futures 2000, more than one-third of the jobs created in Canada will require a skilled trade designation or a college diploma.

  • Many skilled workers use their skills and experience as stepping stones towards other careers in management or go into business for themselves.


Career Pathways

Visit the OYAP website for more information!
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