Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)                      

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program for grade 10, 11, or 12 students that opens the door for students to explore and experience apprenticeship skilled trade career opportunities through the Cooperative Education program (Co-op).  OYAP is available at all WRDSB secondary schools.

Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas.

OYAP Program Requirements

Students must:

  • be enrolled as a full-time or part-time student during the program
  • have successfully completed 14 credits prior to start of the OYAP program
  • be 15 years of age or older
  • be in a Co-op course and complete an OYAP form

OYAP Program Opportunities

There are 4 OYAP pathway opportunities to support student career choices. 

OYAP Participant

Through the Co-op program at the students home school, students are placed in a skilled trade placement with a local employer which can lead to apprenticeship opportunities.

OYAP Apprenticeship

While being a participant in the OYAP program in a skilled trade Co-op placement, an employer can choose to sign the student as an OYAP Apprentice by completing a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) through the Co-op teacher.  The student will start earning hours towards their apprenticeship, and signing off job skills.  This gives the student a head start on their apprenticeship pathway.

Accelerated Level 1 OYAP Dual Credits (Full Time Semester 2)

This is for a select number of students in their final high school year who can take full-time Co-op in semester 2, already have experience in their specific trade, and want to complete their Level 1 apprenticeship training.  Students must have a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) with an employer licensed in their desired trade to apply for this program and interview at Conestoga College for their position.

Specialty Trade Union Apprenticeship Programs – (Full Time Semester 2)

Students must be in their final high school year and signed up for full-time Co-op in semester 2.  Students apply and interview for these programs.  Students start in their home school Co-op program for pre-placement then transition into the program at the union’s training facility before being placed with local contractors.

  1. IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship Program (309A)
  2. UA527 Plumbing Apprenticeship Program (306A)
  3. Liuna Construction Craft Worker (450A) – Coming soon

The following is a list of OYAP programs offered at GCI:

Construction Trades Automotive Trades Machinist

Tool and Die Maker

Welder/Fitter