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Cooperative Education, OYAP and Apprenticeships

Welcome to Cooperative Education at Oakridge!

Please review our course outline for our experiential 2 credit, Grade 11 Course here.

Cooperative Education is a program in which students earn credits through related subjects and the cooperative education course (classroom and placement component).

Cooperative Education involves a partnership between the student, employer, school and the parent/guardian.

Cooperative Education is a part of the curriculum which uses the community as a classroom. Cooperative Education assists students who are bound for college, the workplace, university and apprenticeship. Placement experiences assist students in developing knowledge, skills and attitudes that are essential in today's society.

Students in Cooperative Education Programs are considered to be full time students and are not employees of the placement. Accident and liability insurance is available for students in the program.

Cooperative Education teachers conduct on-site learning assessments. Students are assessed and evaluated by both the Cooperative Education Teacher and Placement Supervisor.

Who takes Cooperative Education?

  • Students who wish to increase their knowledge of the world of work.
  • Students who wish to explore career options.
  • Students who wish to gain valuable work experience.
  • Students registered for an SHSM working to obtain the red seal.

Why Cooperative Education?

  • Explore career alternatives
  • Facilitate the transition from school to work, college, university or apprenticeship
  • Develop maturity, self confidence and employment related skills

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:

  1. Get paid to learn
  2. Graduate without debt
  3. High job security
  4. Rewarding work
  5. 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
TVDSB OYAP Recruiter/ Learning Coordinator
Email: oyap@tvdsb.ca