The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program. Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas. The Goals of OYAP are: to provide students with the opportunity to start training in a skilled trade while completing the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma to enable students to make the school to work transition by direct entry into apprenticeship training to provide employers with the opportunity to train the skilled workers they require to provide a viable solution to address the problem of skilled tradespeople shortages in general, and specifically the lack of young people joining the trades What is OYAP?

An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training, work experience, and technical training. An apprenticeship is a hands-on training program for people who enjoy learning by doing and earning while learning. The training provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skills, judgment, and creativity. Employers provide about 90 percent of apprenticeship training in the workplace. The remaining 10 percent involves classroom instruction on theory, which is usually delivered at an approved community college or training delivery agent. Upon successful completion of the practical and in-school components, an apprentice has an opportunity to write the provincial/interprovincial exam to become a certified journeyperson in a skilled trade. What is an Apprenticeship?

Labour Market Predictions In the next two decades, 40% of new jobs will be in the skilled trades and technologies. In 1998, that number was less than 20%. Many more people in the skilled trades are retiring than are entering the system. The hardest-hit industries will be manufacturing, construction, petroleum production, and transportation. The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association forecasts a 42% vacancy rate for skilled trades by 2007, which represents nearly jobs but only skilled workers available. The vacancy rate for skilled trades will grow to unfilled jobs by the year 2010, according to the Information Technology Association of Canada. According to Job Futures 2000, by 2007, more than one-third of jobs created in Canada will require a skilled trade designation or a college diploma. Facts and Figures

Potential Earnings Apprentices are able to combine in-school training and work, which reduces their debt load; however, university graduates in the year 2000 often left school with an average debt of $ (The Daily, National Graduates Survey). Many skilled tradespeople now earn six-figure incomes with excellent benefits. A journeyperson certificate can lead to employment that provides an income level that is 3% higher than the average income for all educational levels (Statistics Canada). Although wage rates among the trades vary, more than 20 different trades can provide earnings substantially above average. For example, tool and die makers earn about 23% more than the average. Machinists can earn wages about 6% above the average, and electricians can earn 16.5% above the average (CFIB, 2003). Facts and Figures

A Student’s Perspective...

Applying for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program could be the first step in beginning a rewarding career in the skilled trades. OYAP is both a demanding and smart choice if you wish to jump-start your career. Jobs in the skilled trades pay well and challenge your intellect and creativity. Apprenticeships are often the first step in a career path that can lead to supervisory, administrative or management positions, or to a self-employed business career. Students who participate in OYAP will be trained in a specific set of skills leading to a registered apprenticeship program and will be able to obtain apprenticeship hours and high school credits at the same time. Why Apply to OYAP?

Pursuing a skilled trade takes interest, specific aptitude, skills and pride in your work if you are expecting a good career with a great future. Consider the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program if you are a person who: learns best by doing enjoys working with your hands shows a strong work ethic demonstrates a courteous, positive and responsible attitude would like to explore career options while you are attending high school and make the transition from school to work more easily Who Should Apply to OYAP?

an opportunity to develop a valuable network of employers for future job prospects valuable work experience, employability skills and an understanding of employer expectations an opportunity to explore interesting and creative apprenticeship occupations for career decision-making an opportunity to gain a “head-start” in an apprenticeship by reducing time and expenses that would be spent on training after high school a seamless transition from high school to post secondary apprenticeship training an opportunity to become registered apprentices while working towards completing a secondary school diploma an “open door” to well-paid employment What are the Benefits of OYAP?

Even if you don’t think you’re interested in an apprenticeship now, it’s worth your while to spend some time investigating the many options that exist. Visit each of the following websites: careercruising.com >> Careers >> Search by Cluster >> Skilled Trades Trades at a Glance hoolBoardID=100 hoolBoardID=100 (for associated schools) Using the information provided on these sites, complete the “My Apprenticeship Opportunities” worksheet provided. Point form notes are fine. Once you have completed the worksheet, save your three selected Apprenticeships to your IPP. careercruising.com >> My IPP >> My Education >> My Saved Apprenticeships Today’s Activity