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Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
Last Update: December 3, 2025
Ontario, Canada
Supports high school students in skilled trades apprenticeships
Grant and Funding
Wage Subsidies And Interns
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve employee retention
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
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)
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 40,000
Introducing HVAC trade skills to OYAP students with mentorship and workplace safety training
$ 50,000
Creating an apprenticeship program for OYAP students in the welding industry with safety training
$ 30,000
Providing on-site work experience and safety training for OYAP students in the automotive industry
$ 40,000
Registering OYAP participants as apprentices in carpentry with a robust mentorship program
$ 35,000
Supervised plumbing apprenticeship program for OYAP students including comprehensive safety training and real work tasks
$ 45,000
Offering electrical apprenticeship opportunities and health and safety training for OYAP students
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an employer interested in supporting youth through apprenticeship opportunities.
- The company must be willing to work with students from eligible Ontario school boards as part of the apprenticeship experience.
- Employers must agree to engage with students on a trial basis before committing to an apprenticeship.
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
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for projects under this grant have not been explicitly provided in the given context.
How to apply
1
Determine Eligibility
- Confirm your eligibility to participate by reviewing the OYAP Employer Booklet.
- Ensure that your organization is within the sectors or criteria specified for participation.
2
Contact School Board
- Choose the school board relevant to your location from the provided list.
- Click on the corresponding link to visit the school board's website for more information.
- Obtain contact information for the OYAP representative within the selected school board.
3
Engage with OYAP Coordinator
- Reach out to your guidance counselor or cooperative education teacher to express interest in OYAP.
- Contact the OYAP recruiter through the form or by using the provided contact details.
4
Fill Out Contact Form
- Complete the contact form with your name, mobile number, email, and company details.
- Provide a message outlining your interest or any questions you might have.
- Consent to receive communications from OYAP about its programs and services.
- Submit the form once all required fields are completed.
5
Await Response
Wait for a response from OYAP or the respective school board's representative to guide you on the next steps.
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.
