OYAP
OYAP stands for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, one of the key components of Cooperative Education, The Specialist High Skills Major and the very successful Focus programs offered in the Limestone District School Board. The OYAP Coordinator in Limestone is John Chomitz, he can be reached at the Limestone Training Centre for Youth, (613) 531-0542 or through email at chomitzj@limestone.on.ca.
What is Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is one of the post secondary pathway destinations students can choose as an outcome to secondary school education. Apprenticeship is a method of learning used in the Skilled Trades through a combination of on the job training and technical in school learning based on the Training Standards provided by the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (MTCU).
On the job training comprises about 90% of the total training time while the in school component, which is monitored by the MTCU, is usually held at a community college in 8 week blocks or 1 day release for 40 weeks, depending on the availability.
To be registered as a true apprentice, the student has to work with an employer who is willing to sign a training contract that must be verified by the local MTCU training consultant. Once the in school component and the on the job educational competencies have been satisfied, an apprentice can write the provincial examination in order to qualify for their Certificate of Qualification (CofQ). On average this process can take 3-5 years depending on the Skilled Trade they are in.
What is a Skilled Trade?
A skilled trade is a career or occupation which a provincial or territorial apprenticeship program is available. Skilled trades are an important part of the world in which we live in. These technology related trades are essential to our daily existence from the homes we live in, the cars we drive to the food we eat.
Apprentices in a skilled trade can earn money during their on the job training, unlike many university programs a career in the trades allows a person to "earn while they learn." A tradesperson is someone who has completed their apprenticeship and now possesses a Certificate of Qualification in the trade or craft of choice.
There are 250 recognized skilled trades in Canada that offer career opportunities that appeal to almost everyone.
How does a student start?
- explore interests in courses related to technology and business in grade 10 and 11
- decide on a pathway that suits their learning style or interest
- speak to teachers, counsellors, employers or relatives involved in a skilled trade or training program
- research various careers related to skilled trade, go to:
- www.jobfutures.ca
- www.tradeability.ca
- www.apprenticesearch.com
- www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/apprentices
- in grade 11 or 12, choose a co-op program in your area of specialty or interest
What is Next?
A skilled trade co-op placement may become an OYAP opportunity that can lead to an apprenticeship directly after graduation or it can be used as a pre-requisite to entry into one of our Phase one apprentice programs held at St. Lawrtence College. Signing as an OYAP student while still in secondary school, allows the hours of on the job training to be counted towards apprenticeship once an employer commits to signing the MTCU contract. Depending on each student`s co-op experiences the time spent while on the job, could reduce the overall time needed to complete the apprenticeship period which is usaully 3-5 years.
Contact a cooperative education teacher at any of the LDSB secondary schools or call John Chomitz at (613)-531-0542.
| 
Student Success
SCWI