Get a head start.
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a program for students that opens the door to work in apprenticeship occupations through the co-operative education program. Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas.
Get cred.
OYAP happens in CO-OP.
While you are working with a skilled employer you are earning credits toward graduation. The best part is that you get out of the classroom and onto the job, learning skills that you will have for life and that are transferable. Get out of school - sounds exciting doesn’t it!
Get skilled.
CO-OP happens at WORK.
There’s theory - which is important for understanding - and then there’s DOING! Learning skills by doing is scientifically proven to be more effective. As anyone who’s ever played a sport or an instrument knows, the more you practise, the better you get!
Get satisfaction.
WORK can make you HAPPY.
When you are learning, applying the knowledge you’ve gained and becoming a valuable member of a team, it makes you feel good. At the end of the day when you’ve used your mind and your body together to create something tangible, it’s very satisfying!
When can I start?
To be an OYAP student you need:
to have 14 credits
to be 15 years old OR
to be 16 years old to go on a construction site
to have co-op on your timetable
Why is OYAP so great?
Starting an apprenticeship on your own can be intimidating. Where do you start? How can you convince someone to hire you? OYAP provides you with valuable work experience, the possibility of completing your Level 1 training, and the chance to impress an employer and gain a reference. That’s a power pack that makes you really appealing to potential employers!
