There are over 150 skilled trades that involve apprenticeship training.

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OYAP grads find success in the workplace.

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Click here to test your knowledge of apprenticeship and OYAP

OYAP is a great idea for employers

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Why the Trades?

Headlines Tell the Story of Skilled Trades in Canada

Skilled Trades vs. Liberal Arts: What creates the best workforce?
CBC Radio, The Current (With Anna Marie Tremonti, Monday May 5, 2014)
Canada’s coming economic headache: A serious shortage of skilled workers
The Financial Post (By Clare Clancy, Canadian Press, June 25, 2014)

LOOKING FOR A JOB? WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A TRADE
The Globe and Mail (By Dave McGinn, February 27, 2013)

Kenney pitches virtues of skilled trades, but don't ask him to fix a leaky pipe
The Vancouver Sun (By Lee-Anne Goodman, The Canadian Press, June 24, 2014)
Young Canadians are backing away from skilled trades, StatsCan finds
POSTMEDIA NEWS (By Jason Fekete, June 26, 2013)

At the same time that youth unemployment is more than double the national average, industry and labour cannot find enough skilled workers to keep up with demand. This skills shortage is critical, and without a concerted effort by industry, labour, education and government, Ontario’s ability to compete in today’s global economy will be severely diminished.

This coincidence of high youth unemployment during a period of severe skills shortage is a serious paradox. Many exciting and rewarding career opportunities are available to our young people in the skilled trades. But many young people and their parents believe that these jobs are dirty, labour-intensive and pay low wages.

FACT

People who work in the skilled trades and technologies are virtually guaranteed long, productive, stable careers

FACT

Skilled workers require a high level of skill, judgment and creativity to use the sophisticated technology of the trades.

FACT

People working in the skilled trades make above average salaries, with top performers in some trades earning well over $60 000 per year.

FACT

Many tradespeople continue to develop careers in management, teaching, or as owners of their own businesses.

If you know a high school student who enjoys working with his/her hands, and who learns best in an “experiential” environment, please encourage them to talk to a Cooperative Education or Guidance teacher about the unique career opportunities offered by OYAP. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on post-secondary diplomas and degrees, they can experience a practical approach to post-secondary training as an apprentice learning in the workplace. He/she will earn a good wage while preparing for trade certification that is recognized across Ontario and possibly other areas of Canada in all sectors of our economy.

For detailed information please click on the following website links: