Hire an Apprentice!

In today’s competitive economy, training is critical to the success of a business. But training can be expensive. Financially, OYAP participation can be beneficial to your business. Training and mentoring a student through OYAP opens the door to a better future for our youth and helps maintain a skilled workforce in our community.

  • Through OYAP, employers are provided with the opportunity to assess students before committing to an apprenticeship.
  • WSIB coverage is provided by the Ministry of Education during the contract.
  • OYAP provides employers with information about where to access wage subsidies to assist with the initial hiring costs of OYAP graduates and summer students.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Hire an Apprentice

Hiring an Apprentice can Improve Profit

Research shows that employer costs are offset by increased revenues. Government surveys show that for each $1.00 invested results in an average return of a $1.47. That’s almost a 50% return!

Reduce Overhead

One of the benefits of hiring an apprentice is that you can save on wages. When you hire an apprentice you will be paying apprentice wages which are lower than those of fully qualified trades-people.

Tax Incentives

You may be eligible for a number of tax incentives from the Government of Ontario. Employers can receive a tax credit for each apprenticeship of $10,000 per year. The maximum credit over the first 48-month period of the apprenticeship is $40,000.

Reduce Employee Turnover and Cost

Studies show that employees who are properly trained tend to work for the same employer longer and take fewer sick days. As an employer you have the chance to teach and influence the apprentice to your style of business without worrying about habits picked up from previous employment.

Improve Health and Safety

A journeyperson who teaches and monitors safety procedures for an apprentice is likely to become more rigorous about safe work practices throughout the shop. This can lead to fewer mistakes and accidents, lower compensation costs, and lower insurance costs. Insurance companies recognize and reward the lower risk of a skilled workforce.

Improve Company Productivity

A journeyperson trained internally will likely be more productive than one you hire from outside. As they gain skills and knowledge, they also develop a thorough understanding of your business’ needs and how best to meet them.

Improve Product Quality

Through hands-on training and classroom instruction, apprentices learn to maintain equipment properly and use material appropriately ensuring less waste and quality products. The experience instills a sense of pride that can increase the overall standard of quality in the shop.

Enhance the Skills of Staff

Apprentices are keen to learn and their enthusiasm is contagious. Trainers will enhance and revitalize their own skills and knowledge. During classroom instruction, apprentices learn the latest technology and best practices which they can pass on to other staff. This two-way skills development can inspire others to continually improve.

Provide a Competitive Edge

Hiring an energetic and tech-savvy young person can give your shop a leg up when it comes to competing for customers and contracts. Young people embrace technology and during technical training instruction they are exposed to the latest innovations that will be valuable to your business.

Support a Successful Future

While others struggle to find skilled workers, you will have employees who are fully trained to industry standards, who understand your workplace. Apprenticeship can give you a pipeline of skilled tradespeople for the future, while you provide career opportunities for them today