The Skilled Trades

Apprenticeship is a method of training in which employers train workers to become skilled workers through on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Good jobs at good wages are available to young people with the right training. Ontario employers are eager to hire skilled workers.

Shortages of skilled workers in key sectors, such as manufacturing and construction, will hinder Ontarians’ ability to compete in a global marketplace. At the same time, continued growth in services ranging from hospitality to finance to high technology are creating new demand for the kind of quality workplace training apprenticeship can provide. (Ministry of Education and Training)

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR SKILLED TRADES EXPLORATION

OYAP (ONTARIO YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM)
The OYAP Program is for students who have career plans to become an apprentice in the skilled trades. During secondary school, students will begin the theory and hands-on experience required for apprenticeship while completing high school credits. The hands-on experience is obtained through the co-op program.

This 2-year program (in years 3-4 or 4-5) can generate up to 4 co-op credits.
All students participating in OYAP must:

Please note: the registration of an apprentice is at the discretion of the employer; therefore, apprenticeships cannot be guaranteed. Students should contact the guidance or co-op departments for information regarding this opportunity.

THE ALGONQUIN LAKESHORE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE (at Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf)
The Algonquin Lakeshore School Board and Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf have formed a partnership in order to provide technological training for their students. Course offerings include Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Transportation, Manufacturing and Construction technologies. These courses will be provided off campus in two credit blocks. Please consult the course calendar under the Technology sections, grade 10, 11 and 12, for specifics on these course offerings.

THE LIFE LONG LEARNING CENTRE (Eastern Campus - Cobourg, Ontario)
Students interested in the construction trades should apply for entrance in this program. This exciting program prepares students who are interested in becoming a certified brick and stonemason, cement finisher or construction craft worker. After the five week pre-apprentice program students will be placed in the field of their choice and hopefully embark on their apprenticeship journey. Students should contact their guidance counsellor or cooperative education teacher for minimum requirements for this opportunity. Students should fill out the OYAP application form if they have an interest in pursuing this exciting opportunity