Opportunities to explore tentative career choices that could lead to a meaningful career	“I was an OYAP student, signed as a General Machinist in grade 11 to Orillia Tool & CNC.  Thirteen years later, when the owner retired, I bought the business from him.” (Justin Rich) “I was an OYAP student and became a licensed hairstylist before I turned 21.  I’m now teaching what I love at my old school.” (Heather Spence)
	Increased awareness of workplace demands/needs
	Specialized and general transferable, employability skills.
	Placements that allow students to acquire hours and competencies toward the total hours required for that particular apprenticeship, thus reducing post- secondary qualification time.
	Opportunities to apply classroom theory to workplace experience
	A network for future employment. (Gets your foot in the door of a potential employer/trainer to prove yourself.)
	Smoother school-to-work transition by getting you started into the skilled trades at an earlier age.
	Opportunities to gain work experience and high-tech skills in preparation for the basic level one exemption test.
	Increased safety awareness and first aid skills
	Increased opportunities for part time employment.

• Only students enrolled in OYAP can perform restricted skill sets (compulsory trades)
• Only OYAP students with RTAs are eligible for Level 1 in-school training

At the end of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, students earn a high school diploma and have a great head start toward a career in a skilled trade. Students may choose to stay with the co-op company, open a business or use the experience as a jump start to further education in technology or engineering at a college or university.