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Source verified August 21, 2026
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
School-to-work apprenticeship pathway
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is an Ontario School to Work program for students who want to explore apprenticeship occupations through Cooperative Education while completing their secondary school diploma. It helps students become registered apprentices and work toward certification in skilled trades.
/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
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Exploring and working in apprenticeship occupations through the Cooperative Education program.
Documents Needed
- OYAP application form
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Students in Grade 11 or Grade 12.
How to apply
- Choose a trade by doing your research.
- Speak to your Guidance Counselor, Co-op Teacher or Technological Studies teacher about the first steps.
- Make sure you have at least 16 credits, then take co-op so you can get a placement in your trade.
- Complete an OYAP application form so that you can enrol with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.
Processing and Agreement
- If you have signed a Registered Training Agreement with the Apprenticeship Office and a Co-op employer and are interested in continuing your apprenticeship beyond high school, follow the exit plan steps.
- Contact your local Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development office and provide your graduation date and employment status.
- Once you find an employer willing to hire you as an apprentice, advise the Ministry and have a local training consultant meet with you and your employer to sign a training agreement.
- If you have a new Registered Training Agreement and sponsor, send or fax the OCT membership application to the Ontario College of Trades with payment of $60.00.
- Review your training standard with your employer, keep a record of all hours worked as an apprentice, and contact the local apprenticeship office if you change your address or employer, cannot complete the units of your training standard, or cannot attend in-school training.
Additional information
- Students are covered under WSIB by the Ministry of Education during the cooperative education placement.
- If an OYAP student is paid, the employer is responsible for providing WSIB protection.
- The co-op employer is under no obligation to employ the student beyond the OYAP placement.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Program
What is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)?
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is an Ontario School to Work program for students who want to explore apprenticeship occupations through Cooperative Education while completing their secondary school diploma. It helps students become registered apprentices and work toward certification in skilled trades.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) program, you must:
Students must be at least 16 years old.
Students must have completed 16 credits.
Students may start OYAP in Grade 11 or Grade 12.
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)?
Exploring and working in apprenticeship occupations through the Cooperative Education program.
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 Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)?
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is funded by Government of Ontario