OYAP

Demographics and labour market statistics suggest that within the next few years many skilled trades people will be retiring.  By 2028 the youngest baby boomer will turn 65.  This will present opportunities for young people interested in beginning a skilled occupation.

In Ontario many students do not attend university or college after leaving high school. A number of these students enjoy learning by doing. A work experience in a skilled trade through the OYAP option can provide these students with an early start in a career with a future.

The average age of an apprentice in Ontario is 26 years. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program enables high school students to begin careers in the skilled trades at a much earlier age. There are over 130 skilled occupations in Ontario. Many of these skilled trades are well paying, secure and provide a great future. In several skilled trades, wage rates are higher than in many other careers and professions.

It takes an average of two to five years to complete an apprenticeship program. In comparison, it takes three to four years to complete a university undergraduate program and two to three years to complete a college program. Apprenticeship training is a cost-effective third option in addition to the traditional community college or university route enabling apprentices to earn while they learn. Between 80-90 per cent of apprenticeship training takes place on the job.

An OYAP student is a full time student who is 16 years of age or older, has completed 16 secondary school
credits and is earning cooperative education credits in an apprenticeship occupation.

You are getting a head start on your apprenticeship hours and training standards while still in secondary school. As a Co-Op/OYAP student in a skilled trade placement, you have the opportunity to be registered with the Ministry of Training. Colleges and Universities (MTCU) as an apprentice through the OYAP program.

Consider OYAP if you answer YES to the following questions:

• Are you interested in the apprenticeship pathway and considering this as a possible career option? 
• Are you considering an occupation or College program related to a specific trade?

Registering as an apprentice is very simple.

• Talk to your co-op teacher and employer about registering as an apprentice through OYAP.
• You must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to apply.
• Once it is determined that you should register as an apprentice and your employer has agreed to register you during your co-op placement, an Apprenticeship Registration participation Form will be completed by you and sent by your co-op teacher to the OYAP Coordinator.
• Your application form will be forwarded to the MTCU Office by the OYAP coordinator.
• An apprenticeship training consultant will contact your employer to establish a registration date.
• The MTCU consultant, employer and student will meet to sign the apprenticeship training agreement. If you are under 18 a parent/guardian signature is required.

Once you are registered by MTCU, you are an apprentice!

• The hours that you work will be credited towards your apprenticeship.
• You are exempt from the one-time $40 registration fee.
• You will receive the Apprenticeship Training Standards document from MTCU and begin working on the required on-the-job skills.
• After graduation you may attend College for in-school apprenticeship training

Please Note:

• Being signed on as an apprentice during your Co-Op/ OYAP term does not guarantee employment after you graduate.

Review the Apprenticeship Training Standards Document that you received at registration from the MTCU training consultant with your supervisor on regular basis to ensure that the completed training units are “signed off” by all parties.

• Keep an accurate record of the hours you work.
• Acquire a letter form your employer confirming the hours worked.
• You must submit a copy of your high school transcript to the MTCU office when you graduate.
• If your co-op placement did not result in employment, contact the MTCU Office: (Chatham) 519-354-2766 or (Sarnia) 519 542-7705 when you have found a new employer/sponsor in your trade.