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Accelerated OYAP

Accelerated OYAP programs, offered in partnership with Conestoga College and local trade unions—including the Plumbing and Pipefitters Union (UA Local 527), Carpenters Union Local 785, and IBEW Local 804—allow secondary school students to jump-start their apprenticeship while still in high school by accessing tuition-free college courses in their chosen trade; admission is highly competitive with limited spaces available, and acceptance is based on student readiness and program availability, so students who are genuinely interested in pursuing a career in these trades are strongly encouraged to apply.

Level 1 – Accelerated OYAP Dual Credit Programs with Conestoga College

The following Level 1 Accelerated OYAP Dual Credit programs are available: Auto Service Technician; Truck and Coach Technician; Brick and Stone Mason; Precision Machining; Plumbing; HVAC – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic; General Carpentry; and Electrician.

Important Note: To participate in any Level 1 Accelerated OYAP program, students must be formally registered as an apprentice with an employer. Securing and finalizing an apprenticeship is the responsibility of the student. To earn a Dual Credit, students must achieve a minimum pass mark of 70% in each college course included in the program.

Students Must:

Participate in an interview with Conestoga College, be at least 15 years of age, and be enrolled in school full-time

Note: Students must be at least 16 years of age to participate in a construction-sector trade and to work on a construction site

Have earned a minimum of 26 secondary school credits

Be on track to graduate in June or be a returning graduated student

Complete the Co-op Program Selection Form, Parent & Student Information Consent/Contract Form, and Student Readiness Form

Have access to their own transportation, as many OYAP placements are not on bus routes and may be at multiple locations

Have a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) with an employer sponsor prior to acceptance into the program

Secure an RTA through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD); this is the responsibility of the student

Desirable Assets:

Completion of a corresponding Grade 12 Technology course

Completion of Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology (Tech Math) or equivalent

Previous work experience in a skilled trades field

Begin a career pathway in the skilled trades through apprenticeship-focused training

Explore career options within apprenticeship trades

Build valuable connections with potential employers

Receive essential health and safety certifications

Gain hands-on technical training in modern community facilities

Develop a clear understanding of workplace and employer expectations

Build confidence and independence

Transition smoothly into post-secondary apprenticeship programs

Fulfill SHSM program requirements

Regional Unions – Accelerated OYAP Programs

Accelerated OYAP programs are offered through regional trade unions, including Plumbing and Steam Fitting with the Plumbing and Pipefitters Union (UA Local 527); General Carpentry with the Carpenters Union Local 785; and Construction Craft Worker and Concrete Finisher with the Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 837. Please note that the LiUNA program will not be offered again until Winter 2027.

The Electrician Accelerated OYAP program is offered through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 804.

Students Must:

  • Participate in an interview with the union

  • Note: Students must be at least 16 years of age to participate in a construction-sector trade and to work on a construction site

  • Have earned a minimum of 26 secondary school credits

  • Be a Grade 12+ student with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

  • Be on track to graduate in June or be a returning graduated student

  • Complete the Co-op Program Selection Form, Parent & Student Information Consent/Contract Form, and Student Readiness Form

  • Have access to their own transportation to and from the union training centre and work placement sites, as many OYAP placements are not on bus routes and may be at multiple locations

Desirable Assets:

  • Completion of a corresponding Grade 12 Technology course

  • Completion of Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology (Tech Math) or equivalent

  • Previous co-op or part-time work experience in a skilled trade

  • Demonstrated experience using tools relevant to the trade

  • Jump-start a career in the skilled trades through apprenticeship-focused training

  • Explore career pathways within apprenticeship trades

  • Build meaningful connections with potential employers

  • Obtain essential health and safety certifications

  • Receive technical training in modern, industry-standard community facilities

  • Develop a strong understanding of employer and workplace expectations

  • Build confidence, independence, and job readiness

  • Transition smoothly into postsecondary apprenticeship programs

  • Progress toward employment as an apprentice with a Registered Training Agreement

  • Fulfill SHSM program requirements

IBEW Electrical program

OYAP UA 527 Plumber Pre-Apprenticeship Information

LIUNA 837 – OYAP Construction Craft Worker Program- Please note this program will not be offered until Winter 2027

UBC-General Carpenter Package.pdf

 

  • Have a minimum of 26 secondary school credits, with all compulsory credits and SHSM certifications (if applicable) completed by the end of Semester 1 of Grade 12

  • Be on track to graduate

  • Have completed the required senior-level technology and mathematics courses

  • Have relevant experience in the related skilled trade (e.g., construction experience for students pursuing an electrical apprenticeship)

  • Prior co-op or part-time work experience is considered an asset

  • Be able to provide their own transportation

  • Visit your guidance counsellor for more information on applying to either Accelerated OYAP program.  
  • For more information on Cooperative Education and the Co-op program selection process visit https://el.wcdsb.ca/programs/co-op/
  • Important: A co-op program selection form must be completed as part of a student’s application.