Programs

What is OYAP?

• OYAP is a school-to-work program for students to explore apprenticeship careers after they have completed Grade 10, through the cooperative education program.
• Students can become registered apprentices and begin to work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas.
• There are various ways to participate in OYAP. See the examples below:
  – OYAP participants → students in co-op placements in the skilled trades.
  – OYAP registered apprentices → students with signed registered training agreements (r.t.a.’s), who have officially started their apprenticeships.
  – OYAP Level 1 → students selected to participate in the first level of trade school while in their final year of high school.
  – OYAP Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (FAST) → students who earn 8-11 cooperative education credits and sign a registered training agreement with their employer while obtaining all other OSSD requirements will be awarded the OYAP-FAST seal on their OSSD, and OYAP-FAST will be listed in the Specialized Program field of the Ontario Student Transcript (OST).

Who can participate?

• Students must be at least 15 years of age (some workplaces have a minimum age requirement of 16).
• Students must have completed 14 credits.
• Students must be working towards the completion of all OSSD requirements.

Benefits

Students:

• Start a career in the skilled trades while still in high school.
• Gain employability skills and a network with businesses.
• Acquire hours and skills toward the apprenticeship.
• Participate in a hands-on learning experience and application of classroom theory to the workplace.
• Increase awareness of workplace demands, skills, and needs.

Employers:

• Increase employer exposure within the community.
• Access new employees at no cost.
• Help build a skilled workforce and promote youth retention in the community.
• Develop leadership and supervisory skills in employees.

For additional information:

• Learn about TLDSB Level 1 OYAP Program Information.
• Employers can visit Ontario’s Hire an apprentice for more information.
• Visit the Skilled Trades Ontario website.
• Contact your school’s Guidance Department for more information.