Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

The Ontario Youth and Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) allows high school students to get a jump-start on a career in the skilled trades. It consists of a hands-on practical approach to education. Students can take a Co-op in the skilled trades or, in their final semester of grade 12, participate in the OYAP Regional Level 1 program.

 

Coop Placement in Skilled Trades

If you are completing an apprenticeship placement through cooperative education or a Special High Skills Major, you are an OYAP student. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:

  • Be 15 years of age (16 for a construction site)
  • Have completed 14 credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • Have good academic standing and excellent attendance

OYAP Level 1 Program Information

View the Level 1 OYAP information presentation.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) provides students with the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship while still attending secondary school. Students participate in the Level 1 program while in their final semester of Grade 12, however; the application process and interviews for desired spots in the program begins in Grade 11.

Applications are due Friday, April 5, 2024

Why Three OYAP's?

  1. OYAP Participant - allows students to participate in a skilled trades co-op. This is a fantastic opportunity as the student can make workplace connections and develop skills while earning co-op credits and hours/competencies that may count towards their future apprenticeship.
  2. OYAP RTA - If a student has an employer that wants to sign a Registered Training Agreement, the student can start counting their hours/competencies as an Apprentice in high school. I recommend this OR participant over the Level 1 program for students that tend to learn better in a hands-on environment. The Level 1 program is condensed theoretical learning, and students may have up to 5 years to complete their levels of training (trade dependent), which is also funded by the MLITSD when they exit high school.
  3. Level 1 OYAP - This program is part time at a College or Training Delivery Agent and part time at a co-op placement (apprenticeship). It is very demanding as the program is condensed. There is an application process and it is highly competitive. If a student is comfortable with long days of theoretical or applied knowledge at an adult pace, we recommend this program for them.
2025 Level 1 Apprenticeship Programs* 
TradePartnered WithHost SitePass Rate       

Automotive Service Technician

Durham College

Durham College, Whitby

70%

Cook

Durham College

Durham College, Whitby

70%

Electrician

Durham College

Durham College, Whitby

70%

Industrial Mechanic Millwright

Durham College

Durham College, Whitby

70%

Plumber

Durham College

Durham College, Whitby

70%

Welder

Durham College

Durham College, Whitby

70%

Hairstylist

Durham District SB

Durham Hairstylist Academy, Oshawa

70%

General Carpenter

Fleming College

Fleming College, Peterborough

60%

Electrician

Fleming College

Fleming College, Peterborough

60%

General Carpenter Local 27

College of Carpenters, Local 27

M.J. Pereyma, Oshawa

60%

Construction Craft Worker

Liuna

Liuna, Cobourg Location

70%

* All OYAP Regional Level 1 programs are subject to change. Programs with insufficient enrollment may be cancelled.


Program Details
  • Level 1 OYAP programs are regular apprenticeships that include the first level of in-school training at participating College/Training Delivery Agent (Durham College, Fleming College, Pereyma, Liuna(Cobourg Location) or the Durham Hairstylist Academy)
  • Students will earn 1–3 Dual Credits for the time spent at College or Training Delivery Agent in the Level 1 program. These credits will count toward both their OSSD and their Level 1 Apprenticeship.
  • Cooperative Education credits are granted for time spent at the workplace to a total of 4 combined credits earned in the final semester of a student’s Grade 12 year. 
  • In-school training hours do not count toward the total apprenticeship hours. However, hours spent in the workplace must be carefully documented, as they would be a negotiable item between the Employer and the Apprentice to be considered toward the total apprenticeship hour requirement. 
  • Students are encouraged to focus on obtaining the necessary skills required to complete their apprenticeship. Each apprentice is provided with a Training Standards booklet that is used to record their competencies and skill-sets. 
  • Students require approval of a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) signed between the Employer, the Apprentice and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to attend the Level 1 in-school training. 
  • While in the Program, students attend the participating College/Training Delivery Agent (Durham College, Fleming College, Pereyma, Liuna (Cobourg location), or the Durham Hairstylist Academy) as per their schedule. 
  • Work placements are arranged through the school’s Cooperative Education Department with the student providing input where possible.
  • Cooperative Education teachers are responsible for arranging and monitoring suitable placements.
Additional Information
  • Costs associated with Level 1 (tuition, textbooks, and PPE’s), are covered by the school Board. Items not covered are personal safety boots (as required); these are the students’ responsibility. Gas and parking may not be covered.
  • Students who have more than three unexcused absences from the College/Training Delivery Agent may be removed from the Program.
  • Students are expected to treat their employers and co-workers with respect and adhere to all Cooperative Education guidelines.
  • Students, parents /guardians and teachers will be required to attend an information session prior to the start date of the program
  • Participation is dependent on a signed RTA (Registered Training Agreement)
  • Successful students will need a Social Insurance Number to proceed with the next step.  If you do not have a SIN number, you must apply for one via the Government of Canada's website.
Next Steps

All successful applicants will be notified through their COOP teacher if they have been selected for an interview. Interviews will take place virtually on video sharing app Flip, students will have approximately one week to submit their interviews.

All students will be notified of the status of their application (accepted, denied or placed on the waitlist) by June, by their Cooperative Education Teachers.

Important to note, the Level One OYAP opportunity is like a scholarship for the Skilled Trades.  The available spots are split between five school boards.  If you are not successful in securing a spot, there is an amazing alternative, speak with your COOP teacher about a 4 period COOP with a Registered Training Agreement (RTA).

Visit your Coop office and request the OYAP Level 1 Application information package which contains detailed instructions of items to prepare (including the questions you will need to answer) prior to beginning your online application.  Before submitting your application, you, and your parent/guardian (if under 18) will need to sign the application.

Applications are due no later than Friday, April 5, 2024. 

OYAP Level 1 Application

 

Resources

Testimonial

Watch this video to learn the student benefits of OYAP.