Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

Employers

Support the Next Generation.
Strengthen Your Team.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) connects your business with local high school students who are eager to learn, contribute, and grow in the skilled trades. Through OYAP, participating employers benefit from a flexible way to evaluate and develop future talent while supporting workforce development in their community.

Get Started

Trusted by Employers Across Ontario

Employers Partner with OYAP to…

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Connect with motivated, entry-level talent

Gain engaged and adaptable students that are exploring the trades and apprenticeship.

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Try before
they hire

Assess student fit with your company through co-op before considering paid employment or signing a registered training agreement.

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Support their 
future workforce

Build a pool of future skilled workers familiar with your business.

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Enjoy low risk 
and high reward

New talent at low risk; wages are not mandatory; WSIB coverage; exemptions from journeyperson to apprentice ratios and compulsory trade regulation.

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Enhance their community presence

Strengthen your reputation as a community partner and leader in skilled trades training.

What Employers Are Saying

“In a small community like ours, it can be challenging to find apprentices who are both eager and ready to begin their careers. OYAP made it possible for us to bring in a motivated student and support her growth at the pace she needed. This program not only benefits students by providing real-world experience, but it also supports businesses by helping develop strong, reliable, and skilled professionals. It has been incredibly valuable to our salon.”

Alicia Anderson
Stylush Salon, Fort Frances

“The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is really inspiring in how it supports and shapes the next generation of skilled tradespeople. For small businesses, it’s easy to get involved and helps build meaningful relationships with motivated individuals entering the workforce.”

Curt Moeller
Kingston Toyota

“I was a coop student through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, and it gave me a headstart on the career I ended up choosing. As an employer, I enjoy taking new OYAP students into my business knowing that I can pass my skills and knowledge on to the next generation of skilled trades people.”

Sam Lord
Lord Electric, Trenton

“In the past several years Norarc has benefited greatly through OYAP. With their support our company has built great relationships with young individuals on deciding their career paths and some of our best tradesmen have been developed through the program and still remain today active workers.”

Pascal Léveillé
Nor-Arc Steel Fabricators

How It Works for Your Business

1

Connect with an OYAP representative by filling 
out the form

They will put you in touch with the school board representatives in your area.

2

Identify placement opportunities

Discuss your needs and the types of trades and skills you’re looking to develop.

3

Interview and
host students

Select students ready to learn in a real-world setting and bring them into your workplace.

4

Evaluate and
grow your team

Use the co-op experience to assess long-term commitment and consider signing and registering a training agreement.

You choose how deeply you want to engage. There’s no obligation to hire beyond the co-op placement unless you decide it’s a good fit.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the contact form below (ONLY IF YOU ARE AN EMPLOYER) and we will connect you with an OYAP representative.

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