Open
Source verified July 20, 2026
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
High school apprenticeship pathway support
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) helps students explore apprenticeship occupations through the Cooperative Education program while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. It begins in Grade 11 or Grade 12 and supports apprenticeship training, employer sponsorship, and Registered Training Agreements.
/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
- Sole proprietorship
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Exploring and working in apprenticeship occupations through the Cooperative Education program.
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Students in Grade 11 or Grade 12.
Selection criteria
- The final choice is ultimately up to the employer.
- The employer is expected to interview the candidates and select the student that best meets the needs of the company.
How to apply
- Contact your local OYAP Coordinator or high school.
- You will be provided with eager, committed students to interview.
- Select your student and provide a cooperative education experience.
- If everything works out, you may choose to register your student as an apprentice.
Processing and Agreement
- If an employer agrees to sponsor the student as an apprentice, the student learns, works, and performs all aspects of the trade under the supervision of a journey person.
- The student signs a Registered Training Agreement.
- Once the Registered Training Agreement is signed, the student becomes an official Ontario Youth Apprentice.
- The student must become a member of Skilled Trades Ontario, and membership is free while the student is in high school.
- The co-op teacher assists in completing the forms needed to register with Skilled Trades Ontario.
Additional information
- OYAP is industry and employer driven.
- OYAP is governed by all policies and guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development (MLITSD).
- Students’ Personalized Placement Learning Plans must include specific reference to the Ontario College of Trades Training Standards for the specific trade.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Program
What is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)?
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) helps students explore apprenticeship occupations through the Cooperative Education program while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. It begins in Grade 11 or Grade 12 and supports apprenticeship training, employer sponsorship, and Registered Training Agreements.
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 16 credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diplomas.
The program starts 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 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