Niagara Catholic District School Board

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a specialized program that allows students in Grades 11 or 12 to explore apprenticeships and consider careers in the skilled trades. 

What are the benefits of OYAP? 

• Reach ahead: Students can jump start their career in the skilled trades by accumulating co-op hours while completing the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. 
• Hands-on learning: The apprenticeship pathway combines in-class and on-the-job training opportunities to maximize learning and skill development.
• Learn new and important skills: Employers will help you gain valuable experience and teach you life and technical skills that you will be able to transfer to a post secondary career.

To learn more about OYAP, click here or reach out to student services. 

OYAP FAST - Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program - Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training 

Program Description 

 This program enhances the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) with a Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (FAST) pathway that allows students to LEARN BY DOING.

OYAP-FAST is available for grade 11 and 12 apprenticeship bound students, who can take between eight and eleven co-operative education credits while fulfilling graduation requirements for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Eligibility Requirements:

• Students must be at least 15 years old or older (age minimum is dependent on trade pathway)
•  Students must have completed 14 credits towards their OSSD before enrolling in OYAP-FAST
• Students must be a part- or full-time student in secondary or continuing education
• Students have to be registered as an OYAP participant through their cooperative education program
• Students must be pursuing experience and training in a recognized skilled trade
• Students must have a signed parent/guardian consent to participate form

Completion Requirements: 

• Students must earn eight to eleven cooperative credits with skilled trades based cooperative education placements
•  Students must secure a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) with an employer before completing their eighth cooperative education credit. The RTA is a training agreement that allows a student to potentially begin a formal skilled trades apprenticeship after completing their OSSD

Course Selection Planning: 

•  Students who wish to pursue an OYAP-FAST pathway should complete an indication of interest by selecting “OYAPFAST” within myBlueprint during course selection.

• Students can also make an appointment with Student Services at their school to discuss whether or not this pathway is right for them. Students and their guardians are invited to visit the Cooperative Education information page to find out more about cooperative education programming, roles, and responsibilities. 

*Sample Grade 11 and 12 Schedule for an OYAP-FAST Participant

*Please contact Student Services at your school today to get information about available courses and planning