Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

Trillium Lakelands District School Board’s OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program), encourages young students to consider a career in the skilled trades. Presentations take place in every Grade 8 and 10 Careers class, promoting careers in the skilled trades and stressing good work habits and ethics.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program offers students the opportunity to begin a trade apprenticeship while still in high school. The program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and is a partnership between school boards, industry, colleges, and the community.

Apprenticeship is an agreement between a person who wants to learn a skill and an employer who needs a skilled worker. After two to five years of on-the-job experience and in-school training a skilled apprentice becomes a journeyperson. Skilled journey persons are in high demand in a wide variety of occupations. The opportunities and rewards available are getting more exciting all of the time.

The trades represent well paying jobs that demand a high level of skill, judgment, and creativity. The demand for skilled workers continues to increase Trades persons are retiring and this is opening up the job market for new apprentices Many skilled workers use their skills and experiences as stepping stones towards careers in management, self-employment and other areas Skilled trades are irreplaceable and the skills obtained are transferable.

• Explore career options while attending high school.
• Complete basic level of trade school at college.
• Enjoy the possibility to earn while you learn as a provincially registered apprentice.
• Get hands on training in an “out-of-school” environment.
• Obtain skills that are in demand today and in the future.
• Make the transition from school to work more easily.

Skilled Trades include:

• Aircraft Maintenance
• Engineer
• Appliance Service Technician
• Auto Body Repairer
• Baker
• Brick and Stone Mason
• Construction and Maintenance
• Electrician
• Marine Engine
• Mechanic
• Facilities Maintenance
• Mechanic
• Farm Equipment Mechanic
• General Carpenter
• Hairstylist
• Heavy Equipment Mechanic
• Cook
• Dairy Herds Person
• Motorcycle Mechanic
• Industrial Mechanic
• Millwright
• Industrial Woodworker
• Tool and Die Maker
• Child and Youth Worker
• Early Childhood Educator
• Educational Assistant
• Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer
• Technology Analyst – Network
• Welder

Grade 11 and 12 students have a number of opportunities to begin their apprenticeship training while still in high school. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program allows students an opportunity to work in a skilled trade through co-operative education classes and to register as an apprentice in over 130 different trades, while working towards their diploma.

The Sir Sandford Fleming College OYAP is a one-year program available to students while in their Grade 12 Year of high school. It is a joint venture between the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, The Kawartha Pine Ridge District, The Trillium Lakelands District School Board, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington District Separate School Board, and Sir Sandford Fleming College. There are a variety of similar models all throughout Ontario.

City of Kawartha Lakes students can obtain their level one Basic training through Fleming College in Lindsay. Currently students can complete their level one training in the following trades Carpentry, Cook, Auto service Technician, General Machinist, Commercial Vehicle Service Technician.

Support for students is given throughout the entire process including finding co-op placements and arranging transportation to and from the college, and placements.

Job Connect is a program to help young people find work. If you are between the ages of 16 and 24, out of school and not working, Job Connect can help you find employment. If you are currently an OYAP student, and do not expect to be kept on as an apprentice at the end of your placement, contact Job Connect, before you start a job, and they will provide you with the appropriate services to help you find a job.

If you are an employer and wish to enquire about the services Job Connect can provide to you, call the Job Connect office, before you hire your employee.

There are Job Connect offices in the following locations:

• Peterborough (and area) 705-748-9110 / 705-749-5530 extension 2261
• Lindsay (and area) 705-328-0180 / 705-328-1766
• Cobourg (and area) 905-372-6865 extension 238 / 905-372-6865 extension 238
• Haliburton (and area) 705-457-2020 / 705-457-2020
• Lakefield (and area) 705-652-7029 / 705-652-7029
• Port Hope (and area) 905-885-4842 / 905-885-4842
• Muskoka (and area) Georgian College 705-329-3102

By calling these offices, you will be set up with an employment counselor who will assess your employment needs. Depending on your situation, we have a variety of services to aid in your job search.

If you are currently a student, between the ages of 15 and 24 (or 29 if you have a disability as determined by the Ontario Human Rights Commission) and will be returning to school in September, you are invited to call the Job Connect offices to be part of the Summer Jobs Service program (SJS). This program provides a $2.00 an hour subsidy to employers. Length of contract to be negotiated. The SJS offices are open, and students and employers may call to register.

There are Summer Jobs Services offices in the following locations:

Peterborough (and area)
Employment Planning & Counseling 705-748-9110

Peterborough (and area)
Sir Sandford Fleming College 705-749-5530 extension 2222

Lindsay (and area)
Victoria County Career Services & Sir Sandford Fleming College 705-324-5151 (alternate 705-328-0180)

Cobourg (and area)
Sir Sandford Fleming College 905-372-6865 extension 241 (alternate extension 238)

Haliburton (and area)
Sir Sandford Fleming College 705-457-2020

Port Hope (and area)
Durham College 905-885-4842

Muskoka (and area)
Georgian College 705-329-3102