What is OYAP?

OYAP is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.

OYAP is a specialized Cooperative Education program for students who choose a community experience or placement in the skilled trades. Students must be 15 years of age and have completed 14 credits to be an OYAP Participant. Sector specific age requirements may differ depending upon industry. Students earn credits towards a high school diploma and gain skills and knowledge at the community placement under the supervision of a professional tradesperson.

Through OYAP, participants may also apply to become a registered apprentice with the ministry.

Apprenticeship is post-secondary education. Skilled trades are a viable career option.

What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is an education and training post-secondary pathway for people who enjoy learning by doing, and who want to work in the skilled trades.

  • An apprentice: a person enrolled in a skilled trade for the purpose of learning the specific competencies and theory related to that trade
  • 90% of apprenticeship is hands-on provided by employers at a work site
  • 10% of apprenticeship is classroom instruction provided by a college or approved training agent
  • The Length of an Apprenticeship: 2 - 5 years to complete, depending on the skilled trade
  • Does an apprentice graduate? An “apprentice” finishes or completes an apprenticeship when 100% of the education and training in class and on the job prepares the apprentice to write successfully a ministry qualifying exam. The apprentice then receives a Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Apprenticeship, which indicates that he/she is now a certified or licensed skilled tradesperson.

Apprenticeship Training

Combines in-school learning (10%) and on-the-job learning (90%)

The Apprenticeship Advantage

  • Develop skills for employment and for personal use
  • Feel the satisfaction of building, fixing, creating, doing
  • Work with a sponsoring employer in a high demand career
  • Avoid university or college debt
  • Earn while you learn

What is Accelerated OYAP Level 1?

It’s Level 1 In-class Apprenticeship Training

Accelerated OYAP 1 gives students with a passion for the skilled trades a way to fast track their learning through apprenticeship.

Students gain both hands-on learning in a skilled trade cooperative education placement and in-class training at a college or union training site to take in-class Level 1 courses.

Students may apply to one of 13 Level 1 programs: Automotive Service Technician, Baker, Cook, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC, Truck & Coach Technician, Construction, Hairstyling, and General Machinist / Tool & Die Maker.

Accelerated OYAP 1 students:

  • Take 4-credit cooperative education in the second semester of their graduating year
  • Become a registered apprentice
  • Take Level One Apprenticeship In-Class Training at a college or union training site
  • Earn hours towards their apprenticeship training
  • Earn up to 4 high school co-op credits and 2 or 3 dual credits

*Registered Training Agreements must be signed by student, parent (if student is under 18) and Cooperative education employer before the start of Level 1 classes.

How do I apply for Accelerated OYAP?

Talk to your guidance teacher

  • Complete the application:
  • Go to the college or training centre October Open House information night
  • Give the completed application to your guidance teacher by the end of October.
  • Attend the Accelerated OYAP Student Open House in October
  • Interview at the college or training site in November/December.
  • Begin OYAP Level 1 in-class apprenticeship training during semester 2 of cooperative education

Speak to your home school Guidance Teacher or Co-op teacher for more information

*Please note that all Accelerated OYAP 1 programs are offered in semester 2. The Construction Craft Worker Program is offered in both semesters.