Eligibility:

SMCDSB students are OYAP eligible if they:

• Are 16 years of age (15 in some schools or districts)
• Have 16 credits
• Are working toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
• Take Cooperative Education in a Skilled Trades Placement

Opportunities:

There are three OYAP opportunities:

1. OYAP Participant (Exploring the Trade: student’s coop is in a skilled trades placement)
2. OYAP Registered Apprentice (Committing to the Trade: student signs a Registered Training Agreement with co-op employer). See the What Happens Next document for more information
3. OYAP Accelerated Level 1 Apprentice (Jumping Ahead in the Trade: student signs a Registered Training Agreement with co-op employer, receives Level 1 training)

Good to Know’s:

• OYAP students must complete & return paperwork to be program eligible.

• OYAP students must carry their OYAP ID cards with them on site.

• Students in construction placements must complete Working at Heights training.  Certification is valid for 3 years. OYAP covers the cost of this training.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn on job sites.  PPE could include steel toes, hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs, welding gloves.  OYAP covers the cost if needed.

OYAP Benefits:

•  Earn Co-op Credits (half day 2 period/ full day 4 period/ summer co-op 2 credit)

• Co-op hours can be used toward on the job apprenticeship training, if the employer agrees and the student is an OYAP Registered Apprentice

• OYAP apprentices do not count toward Employer apprenticeship ratios

• The OYAP Consultant acts as the liaison between the co-op teacher and student, the employer, and the Ministry of Labour Training and Skills Development