What is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)?
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative 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. Students can start down the OYAP pathway as early as Grade 7 by engaging in related career exploration activities.
How do I take part in OYAP?
Research what skilled trade you would like to try, use myBlueprint to save your career exploration findings
If possible, take school courses that teach you skills related to that trade (science, tech etc.)
Take advantage of learning opportunities, field trips or SHSM programs related to the trades
Ask your family and friends to see if you can practice any skills of the trade in your free time
Network, find ways to connect with people who are in the career already to learn more about what to expect
Sign up for Cooperative Education in Grade 11 or 12. Students who are 15 with 14 credits can be registered as an OYAP participant in the Ministry database and can utilize their co-op experience towards an apprenticeship.
What is Cooperative Education?
Cooperative Education is a partnership between students, parents, teachers, business, industry, and community organizations, in developing a cohesive approach to career exploration, experiential learning and career planning.
This exciting program provides secondary school students with opportunities to:
Enhance in-school learning and earn secondary school credits through relating classroom instruction to the training station experience
Explore potential career options by assessing their abilities and interests in a specific field
Develop employability skills and gain practical experience essential in today’s competitive job market
Acquire confidence and self-reliance in preparation for entry to permanent employment
Students receive 1 credit per each 110 Cooperative Education credit course completed. Often co-op is 2 credits, with options to take more credits in Cooperative Education.
Cooperative Education requires a Student Cooperative Education Learning Plan (SCELP) developed by the student and co-op teacher in conjunction with the workplace supervisor in order to properly assess and evaluate the learning at the workplace. In addition, students must complete pre-placement, placement and reflective learning activities and assignments throughout the duration of the course. Students who are OYAP Participants will also receive a completion letter stating their number of hours and related skills to the trade they were registered in. This letter can be utilized as proof of experience and hours when they enroll in a related trade as an apprentice after secondary school.
Visit your Student Services office or the Cooperative Education Teacher in your school to learn more!
Additional support for secondary students who have obtained a paid apprenticeship and who will begin employment immediately following the Cooperative Education placement can be obtained by emailing lindsay.reynen@lkdsb.net.
For general OYAP information, visit www.oyap.com
