Apprenticeship and OYAP

THE ONTARIO YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM (OYAP)

OYAP is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program. » read more

What is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)?

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program.

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

The goals of OYAP are:

How OYAP Works

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) offers students a chance to attend school and train as registered apprentices at the same time. Students are able to complete their credits required for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and gain apprenticeship training leading to a Certificate of Qualification in a skilled trade at the same time. The program is available to students who are at least 16 years of age and who have completed 16 credits.

Students are selected for apprenticeship opportunities in the following manner:

• OYAP works in consultation with the high school Guidance Department, Cooperative Education teacher and subject teacher in the identification of suitable candidates
• Once students are identified, they are referred to employers for interviews
• Students who successfully pass an interview are placed with the employer on a trial basis.

Insurance:

• Workers’ Safety Insurance coverage (WSIB) is paid for by the Ministry of Education during the cooperative education placement period, as long as the student is not being paid a wage.

Transportation:

• The student is responsible for transportation to and from the workplace (assistance may be available) at his/her own risk.

Other Employment Costs:

• The employer may require the student to provide his/her own safety equipment, tools or other equipment. These costs are the responsibility of the student.

Termination:

• The student, Cooperative Education teacher or employer may cancel the workplace agreement, but there must be reasonable grounds for such a cancellation, and all attempts must be made to come to a solution prior to cancellation.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers play a vital role in the training of youth apprentices.

The employer is expected to:

• Provide a working environment which focuses on learning and apprenticeship training
• Provide a safe working environment which complies with health and safety regulations
• Direct and guide student learning through on-site supervision by a qualified journeyperson;
• Assess the progress of the student jointly with the Cooperative Education teacher.

The employer's participation helps the student:

• Develop an awareness and appreciation of the skilled trades
• Gain access to a career in the skilled trades
• Begin apprenticeship training as part of a high school diploma; Make a successful transition from high school to the workplace in a skilled trade.

In today's competitive economy, training is critical to the success of a business. But training can be expensive. Financially, OYAP participation can be beneficial to your business:

• Through OYAP, employers are provided with the opportunity to assess students before committing to an apprenticeship.
• WSIB coverage is provided by the Ministry of Education during the contract.
• OYAP provides employers with information on where to access wage subsidies to assist with the initial hiring costs of OYAP graduates and summer students.

A:  Yes. The Ministry of Education covers the student under WSIB during the work placement. This coverage is documented in the form of a Work Education Agreement (WEA), which is signed by the employer, the student, the parent and the teacher prior to the student commencing work. If the student is PAID, the employer provides the WSIB protection. 

Q:  Am I obligated to accept the student(s) after the interview process?

A:  The final choice is ultimately up to the employer. The student must fit the employer’s criterion as a potential employee. The employer is under no obligation to accept the student after the interview if the student proves unsatisfactory.

Q:  As an employer, how do I choose the employee to train the student?

A:  Selection is dependent upon your knowledge of your employees, and who would best suit the training role. The employer is also expected to interview the candidates and select the student that best meets the needs of the company. The OYAP Coordinator or Cooperative Education teacher could assist you with these decisions.

Q:  How are conflicts handled?

A:  If a poor attitude or negative behaviour is evident, please inform the OYAP Coordinator or Cooperative Education teacher as early as possible. All attempts to correct the situation will be made. If this is unsuccessful, the placement may have to be terminated. If there is an inability to learn or perform the tasks required, please contact the OYAP Coordinator or Cooperative Education teacher. The career choice of the student will be re-evaluated, and, if the situation does not improve, the placement will end for the student. If there is a personality conflict that cannot be mended, then the placement will be terminated and an alternative placement will be sought.