Committees

OYAP Graduates Speakers’ Bureau If you’re a WRDSB grad or are graduating this year and would like to share your OYAP/Co-op skilled trade experiences with others, please consider joining our Graduates Speakers’ Bureau.  This will provide an opportunity for past program participants who have become apprentices or journeypersons to choose to serve as mentors or […]

Special Projects

Indigenous Youth Promote apprenticeship trades to self-identified Indigenous students through activities/events. Indigenous Youth Community Partners NPAAMB – Indigenous Youth Employment And Training NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment & Training is a not-for-profit organization with a primary mandate to provide employment and training solutions to prepare for self-identifying urban Indigenous youth for a successful transition into the […]

FAQ

Should students have their own tools? Students are not required to provide the tools of the trade while an OYAP student. There is a Loans for Tools Program available after graduation to help apprentices buy tools and equipment to perform the tasks of their trade. What are “Red Seal” trades? The Red Seal endorsement on a […]

Benefits

Benefits for employers who participate in OYAP: Gaining access to an excellent source of young, enthusiastic and skilled students with strong support systems to ensure success. Having the ability to take a student/potential employee on a TRIAL basis before commitment to register them as an apprentice. Helping to build a skilled workforce by increasing student […]

FAQ

Can any employer take on an apprentice? Employers who have qualified journeypersons in place (or equivalent), who are willing to provide students with supervision and training may qualify for participation in OYAP. Employers who foresee a need to hire future apprentices are invited to participate in OYAP. Who pays the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board […]

Community Partners

Post-Secondary Conestoga College – Trades and Apprenticeships Industry/Community Build A Dream Promoting equity and women in skilled trades Support Ontario Youth Non-Unionized Electrical & Plumbing Apprenticeships Business Education Partnership Community partnerships, guest speakers, and Trade Unions International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – Local 804 Electrical Apprenticeships United Association – Local 527 Plumbing, pipe fitting, welding. LiUNA […]

Contact Us

David Pope – OYAP Coordinator Email: david_pope@wrdsb.ca Phone: 519-570-0003 Ext. 4256   Follow Us on Social Media Twitter Instagram Facebook Linkedin

What is an Apprenticeship?

Typically an apprenticeship is a post-secondary education pathway, just like College or University. It is a hands-on training program for people who enjoy learning by doing and earning while learning. By taking Co-op and participating in the OYAP program, you can potentially start your apprenticeship while still in high school! Employers provide about 90 percent […]

What are Skilled Trades?

When people think of skilled trades, there are many traditional trades that likely come to mind – electrician, plumber, welder, and carpenter, for example.  The reality is that there are 144 designated trades in Ontario.  These trades fall under four sectors: Construction Industrial Motive Power Service What are Red Seal Trades? The Inter-provincial Standards Red Seal […]

Common Myths of Trades

Myth: Skilled trade jobs are not stable. Reality: Careers in the skilled trades and technologies can be some of the most stable. Currently, people with a skilled trade can often choose their employment because the skills shortage is so high. Unlike many other careers, a skilled trade is one of the most transferable in today’s global […]

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