Cooperative Education

Why not experience the work environment before committing to pursuing a career in a specific field?  Co-op gives students an opportunity to explore different employment sectors.  The program can be a direct transition from school to work, post-secondary college and university programs or an opportunity for students to pursue apprenticeship training in a skilled trade through the OYAP Program.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

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.  OYAP offers industry-specific education and training through high school cooperative education.

Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas.

Any fulltime student who is at least 16 years old, with at least 16 credits can get started in the trade of their choice if the co-op teacher can get a licensed supervisor at the place of employment to sponsor the student.  

Check out this website, www.oyap.com and talk to your co-op or technology teacher or guidance counsellor.

Over 21?  Presently working, but short a few credits towards your secondary school diploma?  Please contact St. Albert Adult learning Centre and check out the cooperative education opportunities.

The goals of OYAP are:

• opportunity to start training in a skilled trade while completing the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma;
• school to work transition through direct entry into apprenticeship training;
• opportunity to train the skilled workers employers require;
• solution to address the problem of skilled tradespeople shortages in general and specifically the lack of young people joining the trades.