OYAP Process
OYAP provides students with a “head start” into an apprenticeship and a chance to earn OSSD credits at the same time. The following gives students an outline of how the OYAP process works.
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Speak to Guidance, Technological Education and Coop teachers about the options available to you
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Student with an interest in a specific skilled trade signs up for a coop placement, preferably 4-credit.
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Inform the coop teacher of interest in OYAP. Teacher and student approach employer to see if he or she is willing to sign student.
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If employer is willing, student completes the OYAP pre-registration form available from coop teacher (must be done early in placement - see teacher for current deadlines)
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Teacher submits all documentation through OYAP consultant to the Ministry of Training and Colleges
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MTCU Training Consultant determine if student and employer are eligible and take steps to complete formal paperwork which may require a visit to the workplace while the student is present.
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Once all signed copies of documents are received by MTCU, the registration process is complete.
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Most students must provide the MTCU with a copy of their OSSD when they graduate to continue working in the trade after the coop placement ends.
The difference between OYAP and apprenticeship is only the very start – how you begin and the fact that OYAP students do not pay a registration fee. Once the coop placement is complete, the student is responsible for finding his or her own employment, and it follows the process below. The chart at the end compares OYAP and regular apprenticeship head to head.
Regular Apprenticeship Process
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Apprentice finds an employer willing to train him or her, and registers with the MTCU, paying $40 to be registered.
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Apprentice trains on the job for a time, until a spot becomes available for the in-school portion of the training.
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Apprentices attend in-school training provided by a Training Delivery Agent such as a college or trade union. (usually 8-10 weeks per session)
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Apprentice returns to full-time employment until the next level of in-school training is required.
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Once the apprentice has accumulated all skills required, hours and in-school sessions passed, he or she can write the Certificate of Qualifications exam. This requires several years.
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Passing the exam may require multiple attempts, but once completed, the apprentice is then considered a licensed journeyperson.
