Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
ON, Canada
Train youth apprentices in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Educational services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
If your business has qualified journeypersons in place to help train students, you could begin building a pool of young, motivated workers to fill current and future vacancies.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are eligible projects and activities under the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) for employers and students interested in skilled trades.
- Providing on-site work experience for OYAP students through Co-op placements.
- Registering OYAP participants as apprentices with a Training Agreement.
- Offering workplace specific health and safety training compliant with OHSA and Bill 18.
- Ensuring the supervision and mentorship of students by qualified journeypersons.
- Participating in the Work Education Agreement (WEA) for WSIB coverage and safety oversight.
- Introducing students to a variety of learning experiences and real work tasks.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$40,000
Ottawa
Registering OYAP participants as apprentices in carpentry with a robust mentorship program
$50,000
Edmonton
Creating an apprenticeship program for OYAP students in the welding industry with safety training
$40,000
Montreal
Introducing HVAC trade skills to OYAP students with mentorship and workplace safety training
$30,000
Toronto
Providing on-site work experience and safety training for OYAP students in the automotive industry
$35,000
Calgary
Supervised plumbing apprenticeship program for OYAP students including comprehensive safety training and real work tasks
$45,000
Vancouver
Offering electrical apprenticeship opportunities and health and safety training for OYAP students
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) offers students a chance to explore and start an apprenticeship in a skilled trade while earning credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- Students must be at least 15 years old with 14 credits.
- Some workplaces may require a minimum age of 16 years old.
- Students must be participating in Cooperative Education (Co-op).
- A Work Education Agreement (WEA) must be completed and signed by the student, the employer, the parent/guardian (if applicable), and the teacher.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is available to employers from a wide range of industries looking to engage and develop young talents through apprenticeships. Eligible companies include those willing to provide on-site work experience and apprenticeship opportunities in skilled trades.
- Companies in any of the 144 apprenticeable occupations in Ontario
- Employers looking to recruit young, enthusiastic talent in skilled trades
- Organizations interested in building a skilled workforce in their community
- Businesses that can provide a safe and learning-focused environment for students
- Employers willing to sign a non-binding training agreement with a local apprenticeship office
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There are no eligible expenses mentioned for this grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is specifically designed for employers and students within the province of Ontario, Canada.
- All regions within Ontario are eligible
grant_single_labels|criteria
- Employers who are interested in the OYAP program are encouraged to contact the organization to learn about supporting young, enthusiastic, and skilled students. - The program allows employers to work with a student or potential employee on a trial basis before committing to them as an apprentice. - Students participating in OYAP are covered for WSIB benefits, and no salary is required from employers. - Employers can benefit from increased awareness of their company within the community. - Further details on evaluation and selection criteria may vary based on specific school boards or regions; it is recommended to reach out directly for more information.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Ensure Student Eligibility
- Student must be at least 15 years old with 14 credits towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- Step 2: Pre-Placement Preparation
- Students complete pre-placement classes, including training in areas like WHMIS, health and safety, violence and harassment in the workplace, and Working at Heights.
- The Co-op teacher conducts a Placement Assessment for safety and relevance to learning opportunities.
- Step 3: Determine Placement Schedule
- In consultation with the Co-op teacher, the employer determines the placement schedule, including start/end dates and hours.
- Step 4: Complete a Work Education Agreement (WEA)
- WEA must be signed by the student, the employer, the parent/guardian (if applicable), and the teacher.
- Step 5: Begin Work Placement
- The student participates in on-site work experience under the responsibilities outlined for the employer, student, and Co-op teacher.
- Step 6: Register as an Apprentice (if applicable)
- With mutual agreement, a Training Agreement can be signed and the student becomes a Registered Ontario Apprentice.
- Step 7: Conclusion of Work Placement
- Employer may choose to hire the student and continue apprenticeship training, or inform the local apprenticeship office that the sponsorship has ended.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional information is provided to give a comprehensive understanding of the OYAP program and its responsibilities for different stakeholders.
- OYAP students are exempt from all journeyperson to apprentice ratios.
- Unpaid students are covered by WSIB through the Ministry of Education during their scheduled Co-op hours.
- Employers must provide the same health and safety on-site training to OYAP students as they do to other employees.
- The employer can terminate the arrangement at any time if problems arise from student behavior or work habits.
- OYAP provides an opportunity to assess and recruit employees at no cost and helps build a skilled workforce.
- OYAP students must follow company health and safety regulations and maintain a record of apprenticeship hours.
Apply to this program
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) gives Ontario high school students the opportunity to explore and begin an apprenticeship in a skilled trade while earning credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This initiative bridges the gap between education and employment, providing students with hands-on work experience, and employers with enthusiastic and skilled future employees.
Understanding the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a unique initiative that allows high school students in Ontario to dip their toes into the world of skilled trades. The critical importance of skilled trades in the economy cannot be overstated, and OYAP seeks to ensure the vitality and sustainability of these trades by nurturing interest and competency from a young age.
OYAP began as a response to the growing need for skilled workers in the province. Many industries are feeling the pinch of a skilled labor shortage, making programs like OYAP even more essential. OYAP is designed to help students make informed career choices, receive excellent training, and ultimately transition smoothly from school to the workforce.
Program Structure and Participation
OYAP is open to students who are at least 15 years old and have completed 14 secondary school credits. Starting at this early stage allows students to explore different trades and align their studies with their career interests. The program allows for full or half-day placements in any of the 144 skilled trades recognized in Ontario.
One of the most significant advantages of OYAP is its integration with Cooperative Education (Co-op). Through Co-op, students engage in on-site work experience, undertaking real tasks under the supervision of skilled tradespeople. This immersive experience allows students to gain practical skills, understand workplace expectations, and build a network within their chosen industry.
Pathways within OYAP
There are two primary pathways within OYAP: Participant and Registered Apprentice.
OYAP Participant
As an OYAP Participant, students engage in trade-specific tasks and skills through their Co-op placements. During this phase, students are considered to be exploring the trade, acquiring basic skills and insights that will help them make informed decisions about their future careers. This exploratory phase is crucial, as it allows students to see if a particular trade is a good fit for them without any long-term commitment from employers.
Registered Apprentice
With mutual consent from the employer and the student, a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) can be signed, transitioning the student from an OYAP Participant to a Registered Apprentice. Becoming a Registered Apprentice formalizes the training process, providing a structured pathway that includes earning hours and competencies that count towards the requirements of the chosen trade. This pathway accelerates the student’s progress towards becoming a certified tradesperson.
Benefits of OYAP
For Employers
Employers participating in OYAP experience numerous benefits:
- Cost-effective Recruitment: Employers have the opportunity to assess potential employees on-the-job at no cost since OYAP participants are not paid during their Co-op placement.
- Skilled Workforce: The program supports employers in building a pipeline of skilled workers, effectively addressing labor shortages in their industry.
- Retention and Community Building: OYAP promotes youth retention within the community, encouraging local talent to stay and contribute to the local economy.
- Supervisory Skill Development: Through mentoring and supervising young apprentices, current employees can develop leadership and supervisory skills.
- Flexibility: Employers can choose to continue apprenticeship training after the Co-op placement or terminate the sponsorship if it’s not a good fit.
For Students
Students also reap numerous rewards through OYAP:
- Career Exploration: Students can explore potential career paths in skilled trades, helping them make informed decisions about their future.
- Educational Credits: Participation in OYAP allows students to earn credits towards their high school diploma, integrating experiential learning into their academic progress.
- Workplace Readiness: Students gain firsthand knowledge of workplace demands, expectations, and culture.
- Networking: By working alongside experienced tradespeople, students build a network of professional contacts that can help them in future job searches.
- Skill Development: Whether specialized to a specific trade or transferable to other fields, the skills gained are invaluable.
- Smoother Transition: OYAP helps bridge the gap between education and full-time employment, making the transition seamless.
- Safety Training: Comprehensive safety training ensures students are knowledgeable about workplace safety and health regulations.
Responsibilities within OYAP
The success of OYAP hinges on the collaboration of several stakeholders, each with particular responsibilities:
Employer Responsibilities
- Interview and accept appropriate students, signing the Work Education Agreement (WEA) for WSIB coverage if required.
- Provide adequate supervision and training by qualified tradespeople, ensuring a discrimination-free learning environment.
- Offer the same health and safety training to OYAP students as provided to other employees.
- Clearly communicate expectations regarding dress code, attendance, and conduct.
- Provide real work experience, clear instructions, and varied learning opportunities.
- Maintain regular communication with the Co-op teacher and keep the student informed of their progress.
Student Responsibilities
- Work safely and diligently, adhering to all regulations and policies of the employer and school.
- Maintain regular attendance and punctuality, notifying both the employer and Co-op teacher in case of absence.
- Complete all required daily logs, journals, and assignments.
- Demonstrate maturity, good judgment, and a professional attitude at work.
- Keep track of apprenticeship hours and skills acquired in the Apprenticeship Training Standards booklet.
Co-op Teacher Responsibilities
- Select and prepare the student for the work experience, including providing general health and safety training.
- Match the student with an appropriate placement based on interests and capabilities.
- Review the WEA and OYAP expectations with the placement supervisor.
- Support the supervisor and student throughout the program, making regular visits to monitor progress.
- Evaluate student performance and assign final credits towards their high school diploma.
- Ensure that the student has an OYAP exemption card to be on the job site.
Conclusion
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is more than just a bridge between education and employment; it is a pathway to discovering and nurturing future skilled tradespeople. Its well-structured and collaborative model ensures that both students and employers reap substantial benefits. Students gain invaluable experience and a head start towards a fulfilling career, while employers foster a future-ready workforce.
In a landscape where skilled labor is crucial, programs like OYAP not only address immediate needs but also lay the foundation for a robust economic future. By providing students with real-world experience and employers with motivated potential employees, OYAP stands as a testament to the power of cooperative learning and community building.
