St. Joseph students are becoming acquainted with The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).  Every year, several students take part in the program and become apprentices registered with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.  The objective of the program is to ensure the continuity of quality training by an employer, after a student recieves his/her Ontario Secondary School Diploma.  The employers understand that when they agree to register a student they commit to the longterm training.   The benefit to the student is that they get a “jump start” on their careers at an earlier age while still attending high school. 

How does a student enrol?  Students who have completed Grade 10, and who are at least 16 years old, can register for co-operative education and OYAP through the Guidance Department. 

In this program, students take the recommended technology, cooperative education, math, science, and english courses to develop skills to prepare them for the different sectors (auto service, construction, service and manuafacturing).  Michelle Pais (Grade 11) is a new registrant; working as an assistant cook at Mexicali Rosa’s (Erin Mills).  The service sector is vastly expanding but Jim DiNatale (Owner/Operator) is looking ahead, investing time, engaging a youth, and delivering a quality training program!  In return on his investment is pre-trained student ready to continue her apprenticeship with Mexicali Rosa’s.  What a success!