A career in the trades can start before a student leaves high school. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is available to students in Renfrew County and allows them to begin earning hours towards their apprenticeship before they graduate with their high school diploma.

What is OYAP?

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program allows students to learn a skilled trade while they are completing their high school education and requirements to graduate with a post secondary diploma. The hours they work through OYAP count towards their apprenticeship training giving students a head start on their career.

An apprenticeship is an agreement between a student who wants to learn a skilled trade, an employer (sponsor) who provides the training, and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Apprenticeship Branch. Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training (90%) and in-school training (10%). Apprenticeships last from two to five years depending on the trade.

The benefits of registering in the OYAP program:

• OYAP provides high school students with an opportunity to get an early start on an apprenticeship in a skilled trade. Students graduate from secondary school with a diploma, job skills and a career already underway.
• The high school works with students to find a suitable employer.
• OYAP makes the transition from school-to-work easier for students by providing them with a connection to the workplace before they leave school.
• Opportunities in the trades are abundant. Canada already has a shortage of qualified trades professionals.
• Skilled trades professionals provide attractive salaries and challenging careers.
• The $40 apprenticeship registration fee is waived for OYAP students.
• OYAP students may be eligible to receive assistance with costs associated with the program, such as gas money and safety equipment.

How to be successful in your OYAP placement:

• Be at work on time, dress appropriately and ready to work during your scheduled shift
• Be honest, courteous and cooperative with the employer, staff and customers at all times
• Follow all the rules, regulations and safety standards in the workplace.
• Make sure you notify your employer and your school in advance of any change in your schedule, or if you are ill and can’t make it into work.
• Keep track of your hours logged and competencies met in the Training Standard provided by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
• Always have a positive attitude and embrace constructive criticism as a learning experience
• Contact your co-op teacher at your school immediately if a problem should arise during your OYAP experience

For more information on the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program in Renfrew County contact:

Renfrew County District School Board
OYAP Co-ordinator: Dave Bishop
(613) 735-0151

Renfrew County District Catholic School Board
OYAP Co-ordinator: Tina Noel
(613) 735-5496