Earn Credits. Learn a Trade. Start Your Career.
What is OYAP?
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) lets students explore and begin training in a skilled trade while earning high school credits.
Through this cooperative education program, students may also have the opportunity to register as an apprentice and begin working towards certification in a skilled trade while still in high school.
There are over 140 skilled trades to choose from, including electrician, carpenter, plumber, automotive service technician, cook and many more.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is paid post-secondary education to learn a skilled trade combining on-the-job and in-class training:
- Employer training: Employers provide about 80-90 per cent of apprenticeship training in the workplace, using provincial training standards.
- Classroom instruction: The remaining 10-20 per cent involves classroom instruction which is usually delivered at an approved community college or training delivery agent.
Upon successful completion of the practical and in-school components, an apprentice can write an exam to become a certified journeyperson in a skilled trade.
OYAP lets you get a head start on this journey while you’re still in high school.
Learn more about Apprenticeship in Ontario.
What does OYAP look like?
Students in OYAP:
Take Grade 11 or 12 cooperative education.
Through your co-op, you will spend time learning on the job in a skilled trade placement. The co-op placement must be linked to a related high school credit and in an apprentice trade
As a participant in OYAP, the Cooperative Education Learning Plan you develop will include competencies from a trade’s Apprenticeship Training Standards log book.
You can take a two-credit (half-day) or four-credit (full-day) co-op during one semester.
Sign an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Participant Form.
- This registers you in the program and gives you a client number in the Ontario’s apprenticeship database.
- You may have the opportunity to register as an apprentice and begin accumulating apprenticeship hours/competencies if you are interested and if it is possible at your co-op placement.
Can combine OYAP with other programs.
- Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) and earn additional certifications, participate in hands-on experiences and earn a red seal on their diploma.
- College-Delivered Dual Credit and earn a high school credit and a college credit at the same time.
- Accelerated OYAP and complete all or part of their Level One Apprenticeship schooling and earn hours towards your apprenticeship. This program is designed for students in their last semester of high school.
Other OYAP Options:
Accelerated OYAP
Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (OYAP-FAST) Diploma
Hear From Our Students
An OYAP Timeline
Students can apply for Cooperative Education for Grade 11 during course selection and complete the application process through the co-op teacher at their school.
- Students can apply for Cooperative Education for Grade 11 and/or Grade 12, and complete the application process through the co-op teacher at their school.
- Students can participate in a two-credit or four-credit Cooperative Education placement in an apprentice-able trade linked to related high school credits.
- Students have the opportunity to be formally registered as apprentices and being accumulating hours/competencies towards their apprenticeship certification while still in high school.
An OYAP student who has successfully completed 30 high school credits (including compulsory credits) will receive their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. They can take one of the following pathways:
- Continue from OYAP into a full-time apprenticeship with an employer:
- They will compete the remainder of on-the-job training and in-school training courses at an approved training centre as outlined in their contract/training agreement.
- The employer agrees to release the apprentice for the two to three periods of in-school training. During this time, the apprentice is eligible for incentives/subsidies to offset the cost of training.
- At the end of the two to five-year training program, apprentices may apply to write the certification exam. If successful, they receive their certification and become a qualified journeyperson.
- Enroll in an accredited community-college modified apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship training program. At the end of this college program, the apprentice finds an employer with whom they can earn a wage while completing the remainder of their apprenticeship.
- Enroll at a university or college or other training institute to pursue other options.
- End the OYAP experience and find work in another sector.
What are the benefits?
Students who participate in OYAP can:
- Earn high school credits toward your Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
- Learn from experts in and out of the classroom.
- Gain hands‑on experience in a skilled trade.
- Explore careers before making decisions about post‑secondary education.
- Develop technical skills and transferable skills.
- Begin building industry connections.
- Become a Registered Apprentice and get a head start on your apprenticeship.
- Transition more smoothly from school to work or apprenticeship after graduation.
A career in the skilled trades can:
- Offer competitive pay and strong job demand.
- Provide a career that is rewarding and challenges your technical , problem solving and creativity skills.
- Lead to many future opportunities, such as management or self-employment.
Who is OYAP for?
OYAP is available to students who:
- Are at least 15 years old.
- Have earned 14 or more secondary school credits.
- Are enrolled full‑time in a YRDSB secondary school.
- Are participating in Grade 11 or 12 Cooperative Education, Personalized Alternative Education or an Exploring Opportunities Program in an eligible placement.
- Are interested in learning by doing and working in a skilled trade environment.
The program is well‑suited for students who enjoy:
- hands‑on learning
- problem‑solving
- working with tools, equipment or technology
- seeing the tangible results of their work
Where is OYAP offered?
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is offered at all YRDSB secondary schools.
How and when do I apply?
Students apply through the regular course selection process by choosing a cooperative education credit.
Co-op students in a skilled trade placements become OYAP Participants when they sign and return an OYAP Participant Application Form to their co-op teacher.
For more information
Please see the Co-operative Education, Personalized Alternative Education or Guidance Departments in your school.
Pathways to Careers in Skilled Trades
This Ontario Employment program is funded by the Government of Ontario.