Cooperative Education, OYAP and Apprenticeships
Welcome to Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School’s Cooperative Education Department
We are very proud of the connections our students have made with community business and service agencies. Our students are carefully prepared for the world of work with a particular emphasis on safety and responsibility. Take a look at what our program involves and you too will want to participate in everything the co‑op program can offer.
How to register: Each student will apply for job placements from connections they have personally made or with the assistance of the teacher. Once a placement has been arranged, the student will work approximately 200 hours over a 15‑week period according to their Personal Placement Learning Plan (PPLP). Each student is expected to meet employer expectations such as initiative, punctuality, responsibility, and teamwork.
Each student is responsible for communicating regularly with their co‑op teacher using email, daily log sheets, weekly journals, teacher‑student meetings at the placement, and in‑class sessions.
To learn more about the co‑op program, visit the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School Co‑op Program website .
What is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program?
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a specialized program in high school that allows you to explore apprenticeship and consider careers in the skilled trades, generally starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the cooperative education program.
What makes a student eligible?
- Must be at least 15 years of age (16 years for construction sector).
- Must have successfully completed a minimum of 14 credits towards their OSSD.
- Must be enrolled full-time or part-time in a secondary school at an Ontario school board.
- Must be participating in a cooperative education placement in an apprenticeship trade.
How to Apply?
- Submit a signed OYAP Participant Application Form to your school board’s OYAP Recruiter
- Talk to a co-op teacher or guidance counsellor at your school to get started
Ways in which a student can participate in this program?
- become an OYAP participant;
- become an OYAP participant and register as an apprentice while in the program;
- become an OYAP participant, register as an apprentice, and complete your level 1 through an Accelerated OYAP dual credit program.
What are the benefits of being an OYAP Student?
- Jump start your career: You can jump start your career by accumulating co-op (OYAP) hours and counting them towards your apprenticeship! You can even jump start your in-class apprenticeship training by completing your level 1 in select trades.
- Achieve Excellence Through Hands-On Learning: Hands-on learning activates more parts of your brain and is great for retention. The apprenticeship pathway combines in-class and on-the-job training opportunities to maximize learning and skill development.
- Learn Important Skills: Employers will help you gain valuable experience and teach you life and technical skills that you will be able to transfer to other careers.
Why should a student consider apprenticeship?
Top 5 Reasons:
- Get paid to learn
- Graduate without debt
- High job security
- Rewarding work
- Transferable skills
Explore the following links to discover information and opportunities for a career in Skilled Trades.
- Provincial OYAP site provides additional information about beginning apprenticeship while remaining in Secondary School.
- Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is a Crown agency which has responsibilities under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act related to apprenticeship and certification in the skilled trades.
For more information, contact:
Home School Contacts:
- Guidance Counsellor
- Cooperative Education Teacher
- Technology Teacher
| Contact |
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| TVDSB OYAP Recruiter/ Learning Coordinator Email: oyap@tvdsb.ca |