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Apprenticeship Information

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What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is hands-on training for people who enjoy learning by doing. The training provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skills, judgement and creativity. Apprentices are paid while gaining work experience, and their wages increase with their level of skills. Classroom training takes place at certain points throughout the apprenticeship period. The ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities arranges it. Currently there is no tuition cost to the apprentice for the classroom training. However, the apprentice is responsible for living expenses and the cost of books during the course. Training-on-the-job takes place under the direction of more experienced workers.

 

About 90 percent of apprenticeship training is provided in the workplace by employers or sponsors who provide training to standards of skill and safety set by the industry. The remainder involves classroom instruction on theory, which is usually given at a local community college or provided by another approved training organization. 

 

To become an apprentice, you must find an employer who is willing to train you. Such jobs are rarely advertised, and, instead, employers often rely on word of mouth to attract applicants. People who want to become apprentices usually apply directly to an employer, union, or local apprenticing committee.

 

After being hired, many apprentices will, because of their skills, be asked to train new apprentices, or will find opportunities to manage operations, start their own businesses, or use their experience as a base for technological or engineering studies at a college or university.

 

What is OYAP?

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a school-to-work transition program that opens the door for full-time students in grade 11 and 12 to earn cooperative education credits through work placements in skilled trades. If you are a full-time high school student entering grade 11 and are at least 16 years old, you can work towards a career in the skilled trades by participating in OYAP. To learn more about OYAP, contact your guidance counsellor or your co-op teachers, Ms. Lott or Mr. Farrell. 

 

Useful Links:

OYAP

Apprenticeship training

Ministry of Education Skills Connect

Apprenticeship Resources

Employment Ontario

Careers in Trades