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Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
Supports high school students in skilled trades apprenticeships
Last Update: December 3, 2025
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), funded by the Government of Ontario, enables high school students to begin apprenticeship training in skilled trades while completing their diploma. There is no direct maximum funding amount for employers; instead, the program offers valuable workplace experience, WSIB coverage for students, and opportunities for employers to assess potential future apprentices at no salary cost.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hosting young students for trial work placements in skilled trades environments.
- Providing mentorship and training opportunities for students interested in apprenticeships.
- Partnering with local schools to support youth exploration of careers in skilled trades.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers interested in training and hiring young apprentices
Eligible expenses
The opportunities associated with this grant revolve around engaging employers with skilled students through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Activities focus on providing a trial employment experience and promoting company engagement with the community.
- Facilitating trial employment opportunities for students before they commence full apprenticeships.
- Allowing employers to assess potential hires and cultivate future skilled employees.
- Sponsoring the involvement of students in workplace experiences that qualify for WSIB coverage without salary requirements.
- Helping companies increase their visibility and engagement within their local communities by participating in educational initiatives.
Eligible geographic areas
- Province of Ontario
Additional information
- Students participating in the program are covered under WSIB benefits.
- Employers are not required to provide a salary to students during the trial period.
- Participating employers can increase their company's visibility within the community.
- An Employer Booklet is available for additional guidance.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)?
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), funded by the Government of Ontario, enables high school students to begin apprenticeship training in skilled trades while completing their diploma. There is no direct maximum funding amount for employers; instead, the program offers valuable workplace experience, WSIB coverage for students, and opportunities for employers to assess potential future apprentices at no salary cost.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) program, you must:
Employers willing to support youth apprentices in Ontario
Organizations interested in trialing students as potential employees
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)?
Hosting young students for trial work placements in skilled trades environments.
Providing mentorship and training opportunities for students interested in apprenticeships.
Partnering with local schools to support youth exploration of careers in skilled trades.
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON).
Where is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) available?
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)?
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is funded by Government of Ontario (ON)