OYAP

About the program

Join the thousands of high school students throughout Ontario who have chosen to take control of their future. Earn high school credits while exploring the world of a skilled trade profession through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Discover the educational opportunities that can give you an advantage.
oyap program

Are you interested in an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is an education and training program for people who enjoy learning by doing and who want to work in a skilled profession. Once education and training are complete, you can receive a Certificate of Qualification, which identifies you as a skilled professional. This can lead to a career in a trade sector such as construction, industrial, motive power and service.

What is OYAP?

OYAP enables full-time students who are 16 years of age or older with at least 16 credits to meet diploma requirements while participating in an occupation that requires on-the-job training.

The OYAP program is designed to increase the number of secondary students interested in exploring the trades and prepares them to successfully pursue careers in the trades. Students in Grades 11 or 12 can gain training, through a cooperative education program, in an apprenticeship trade of interest.

As an OYAP student, you will earn Co-op credits for work experience in an apprenticeship occupation while completing the requirements for your Ontario Secondary School Diploma. You may be formally registered as an apprentice while attending secondary school.

For more information, see:


How to enrol for OYAP

To be eligible for OYAP students must:
  • be enrolled full-time in secondary school
  • be working towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • be enrolled in a cooperative education program with a placement in an apprenticeship trade
  • have successfully completed 16 credits
  • be at least 16 years of age

To enroll, speak with a Guidance Counselor. Be sure to also ask about Specialist High Skills MajorCo-op and  Dual Credit, three additional programs that feature OYAP.