Over 40 Students in Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) Achieved an apprenticeship in the 2020-21 School Year.
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) supports students by allowing them to start their apprenticeships while still in high school.
Students who do the cooperative education program, and are placed with one of the 144 skilled trades, can start their apprenticeship early.
Students in the AMDSB have been attending co-op placements during the school year and many were participating in skilled trades that were deemed essential by the province.
Since there is such a high demand in these fields, many opportunities became available for an apprenticeship.
By the end of the semester 44 students had achieved a registered training agreement and started their apprenticeship during their grade 12 year.
One of the goals of OYAP is to support students in finding an employer who is looking to train and mentor something through an apprenticeship.
Some students are even able to walk away having completed their level 1 training while still in school. These students are now ahead in their desired fields and connected to their future goals.