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.

 

Co-op 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
  • Have completed 14 credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • Have good academic standing and excellent attendance

OYAP Level 1 Program Information

View a presentation on the Accelerated OYAP program.

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 Thursday, April 6, 2023

2024 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%

* 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 (Trade School) at either Durham College (Whitby Trade Centre) or Fleming College. Exception:  Hairstyling and General Carpenter-Local 27 where students attend a Training Delivery Agent to obtain their first level of in-school training. 
  • 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. (Hairstylist and General Carpenter-Local 27 Dual Credits are pending approval.) 
  • Cooperative Education credits are granted for time spent at the workplace to a total of 4 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 rather than on hours as 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, or the 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.
  • Students who have more than three unexcused absences from the College 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 in April – May. 

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

You are ready to begin your application.  You and your parent/guardian (if under 18) will need to sign the application/computer prior to submitting the application.

Applications are due no later than Thursday, April 6, 2023. 

OYAP Level 1 Application 

 

Resources

Testimonial

Watch this video to learn the student benefits of OYAP.