Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is an education and training program that allows students to explore a career in the skilled trades through the Cooperative Education Program. The program consists of a hands-on approach through OYAP placements which are available in a wide range of skilled trade sectors.
Students in the OYAP program have the opportunity to become registered apprenticeships in a skilled trade and train with a skilled journey person while earning high school credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students in the apprenticeship pathway transition to post-secondary in either apprenticeship training or college programs.
Benefits of OYAP
There are numerous benefits to participating in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).
- Explore or start training in skilled trades while earning OSSD credits
- Register as an apprentice and build trade-related competencies
- Gain work experience and employability skills
- Develop industry contacts, references, and future employment opportunities
Eligibility
To be eligible for the OYAP program, students must be:
- At least 15 years old and in Grade 10, 11, or 12
- In good academic standing with a minimum of 14 high school credits
- Committed to exploring a chosen career pathway
OYAP Student Enrollment Types
Participant vs Registrant
OYAP Participant
Students completing a Cooperative Education placement in an apprenticeable trade are OYAP participants. Students may remain participants or register as an Ontario Youth Apprentice.
OYAP Registrant
Students who are interested in a career in an apprenticeable trade are able to register as an Ontario Youth Apprentice during their Cooperative Education placement. A Registered Training Agreement (RTA), an agreement between the student and a sponsor/employer that is registered with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO), would need to be completed. The registered OYAP apprentice would be provided with training during their Cooperative Education placement under the program in a trade and can begin logging hours toward becoming a certified journey-person.