Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) lets a Co-op student begin to learn a skilled trade while completing a high school diploma.  A Co-op student may be signed to an apprenticeship agreement with the employer at the time of his/her placement.  Students graduate with a diploma, a whole new skill set, experience in the real working world and a head start on a skilled profession.

What makes OYAP different from regular Co-op?

  • OYAP is industry/employer driven, developing skilled workers.
  • OYAP must meet policies and guidelines of both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD).
  • The Personalized Placement Learning Plan (PPLP) must include reference to the specific MAESD apprenticeship training standard.
  • Apprenticeship Agreement may be signed upon agreement of the employer.
  • Earn Co-op credits for the secondary school diploma and the apprenticeship hours/skills for the MAESD.
  • Students can perform all aspects of a compulsory trade under supervision of a licensed journeyperson.
  • Some specialized “accelerated” programs feature timetables that include additional apprenticeship in-school (level 1) curriculum.
  • Participants can be registered as true Ontario apprentices while in Co-op.
  • Participants can be registered with the Ontario College of Trades as an OYAP participant.

For more information, see a Guidance Counsellor or Cooperative Education teacher or visit our Board of Education website at https://www.tldsb.ca/pathways-oyap/.

You can also visit any or all of the following websites for lots of good information:

The above information is from Connecting Students to Opportunities in the Skilled Professions, a publication of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Note: To participate in OYAP, students must be 16 years of age or older, have earned 16 credits, and be experiencing success in school.