OYAP
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship ProgramWhat is OYAP?
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is an extension of the cooperative education program. This program allows students, interested in the skilled trades, to earn credits towards their secondary school diploma and earn hours towards an apprenticeship.
OYAP FACTS
Students can earn the basic qualification for some trades while still in high school.
Average age of a new apprentice in Ontario: 27.
Average age of a tradesperson in Ontario: 55.
125 OYAP students in our Board were registered with MTCU last year.
HOW DOES OYAP WORK?
OYAP courses include a classroom component which is comprised of pre-placement and integration sessions. Prior to their placement, students attend structured orientation sessions as part of their classroom component of the program. The work placement component of the course requires students to attend a placement for 2.5 hours per day, five days per week. The co-op/OYAP teacher works in conjunction with the Ministry of Trades Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to register and monitor the OYAP student. Students share and analyze their work placement experiences with their teachers and peers in structured integration sessions. Cooperative education/OYAP teachers conduct placement learning assessments and evaluate their students’ performance through pre-placement, placement, and reflective learning activities. Students will meet with a representative of MTCU to be registered as an apprentice. OYAP students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the placement.
HOW ARE STUDENTS SELECTED?
The following conditions must be met for students to be accepted into the program:
• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must have completed 16 credits.
• Must have completed a cooperative education/OYAP application form and submit to the co-op/OYAP office.
• Must have a successful interview with a cooperative education/OYAP teacher.
• Must either have completed the related subject, or must currently be enrolled in the related subject while registered in OYAP.
Consultation with a guidance counsellor is strongly recommended.
