Child and Youth Worker - 620A

A child and youth worker works to improve the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of vulnerable children, youth and families. They develop relationships with children, their families, communities and other inter-disciplinary team members. They are employed by social service, government and mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities among others.

*Upon graduation, OYAP ends and you must find paid work in the industry as a regular, registered apprentice in order to continue your trade training and qualify for your Certificate of Qualification.

*Parents and students are encouraged to purchase insurance from insuremykids.com to cover students while at the college/union training centre and travelling time to and from.

TO QUALIFY, YOU MUST:

  • Be at least 15 years of age by February, eligible to work in Ontario and have a social insurance number

  • Ideally, have completed at least 25 credits by February and be ready to graduate in June (including all compulsory courses, literacy requirement and community hours required for your Ontario Secondary School Diploma).

  • Grade 11 students may apply but preference will be given to Grade 12 students

  • Be willing to travel to Centennial College - Progress Campus for classes one day a week and also to a cooperative education placement four days a week

  • Be willing to make a strong commitment to the program

PROGRAM COMPONENTS INCLUDE:

  • Students attend 4 credit cooperative education starting in February

  • Pre-placement and integration classes at their home school

  • 1 day per week, over 15 weeks at Centennial College full-time in-school training (1 credit)

  • 11 weeks at a cooperative education placement

  • Textbooks, PPE, and TTC transportation to and from the college provided

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THIS ACCELERATED OYAP PROGRAM?

The application process for this Accelerated OYAP program is as follows:

  1. Contact your guidance counsellor or co-op education teacher and complete the application using the Experiential Learning Information System (ELIS) site by early November. Ensure that you are enrolled in 4-credit co-op for semester 2. You will be contacted via your TDSB email address to upload your resume and cover letter.

  2. You will be interviewed by a team that includes representatives from the Toronto District School Board and the partnering training delivery agent (e.g., instructors from a college or training centre). At your interview, you will be assessed on the following:

    • Professionalism

    • Commitment

    • Knowledge of the trade

    • Knowledge of the apprenticeship pathway

    • Basic math skills

    • Communication skills

Students, parents, and teachers are strongly encouraged to attend the information session for this program. For more details on this information session, application due date, and interview preparation check our events page and follow us on Instagram @tdsboyap.

For further questions, contact one of the OYAP team members.

WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL, OYAP STUDENTS:

  • Must travel to a specific training location assigned by the MLITSD for the apprenticeship classes

  • Must travel to work locations specified by the employer during the co-op placement

  • Do not pay tuition fees for in-school sessions

  • Are provided with tools of the trade and required textbooks during the program as well as TTC transportation

  • May be required to purchase personal protective equipment and/or specialized clothing

  • Develop skills recognized within the specific industry

  • Earn credits toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma