Cooperative Education

OYAP

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

 

What is OYAP?

OYAP, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program allows students to acquire both apprenticeship hours and high school credits at the same time.  This allows secondary school students to “try on” a potential career choice by going to work for part of a school day, semester or year.  Typical co-op programs have students working two to four periods a day, (1/2 day or full day).  This allows secondary school students to get a head start n their apprenticeship.  Each student has a personalized placement learning plan (PPLP) which provides the framework for this learning opportunity.  While student spend most of their time at the workplace, they do complete an in-school pre-placement session and participate in integration days throughout the placement period.

How does OYAP work?

Students who are interested in participating in OYAP take cooperative education during their grade 11 and/or 12 years.  If the student and employer agree, an apprenticeship agreement can be signed and the co-op hours then count towards the apprenticeship.  There are over 130 different skilled trades.  Any skilled trade under the Apprenticeship and Certification Act or the Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act qualifies.

Who is eligible?

Students who…

  1. Are at least 16 years of age
  2. Are enrolled in school full time
  3. Have at least 16 credits
  4. Make a commitment
  5. Demonstrate a genuine interest

How do I participate in OYAP?

 

  1. Speak to a guidance counselor or your cooperative education teacher.
  2. Apply for cooperative education when you make course selections on your option sheet.
  3. Attend an interview with a cooperative education teacher to ensure that you have the appropriate number of credits and to ensure an appropriate placement to meet your needs and interests.
  4. If both the student an employer area in agreement the OYAP resource teacher will contact the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.  A training consultant will visit the student and employer and complete the agreement of apprenticeship.
  5. Apprentices and supervisors must record skills in the Apprenticeship Training Standard booklet, which is provided by the MTCU.
  6. OYAP students are monitored and assessed by the co-op teacher in cooperation with the placement supervisor.
  7. Upon graduation apprentices also receive credit for the co-op hours towards the apprenticeship.
  8. Upon graduation the employer may hire the student or the student must find a new employer.

What is apprenticeship?

 

Apprenticeship is a post-secondary education opportunity.  It is an agreement between a person who wants to learn a trade and an employer who needs a skilled worker.  On-the-job, hands-on training under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson makes up about 90% of the apprenticeship.  All apprentices attend in-school session, usually offered at Community Colleges or union training centres.  Apprentices pay a minimal classroom fee to attend these “trade school” sessions.  The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) pays the tuition for registered apprentices.  Once both the in-school and the on-the-job educational components have been completed, apprentices must successfully write examinations in order to receive the Certificate of Qualification. 

Why start Apprenticeship Training while still in High School?

 

  1. Get involved in an area of personal interest.  Do what you love!
  2. Experience the skilled occupations before graduation.
  3. Make important connections with potential employers.
  4. Begin acquiring apprenticeship hours while completing co-op credits for your diploma.
  5. Develop trade-related skills.
  6. Accelerate your career towards a skilled trade.
  7. Enhance your earning power at an early age
  8. Many skilled workers are retiring.  Train for one of the many highly skilled and creative employment opportunities in demand today.