Frequently Asked Questions about OYAP
Why would an employer/sponsor want to participate in OYAP?
By participating in OYAP, employers/sponsors promote careers in apprenticeship trades or occupations. OYAP
gives employers/sponsors a low risk opportunity to work with potential apprenticeship candidates who may
become future employees.
What if the trainer is not certified?
In order for someone to apprentice in the Compulsory trades she/he needs to be trained by a person holding a
Certificate of Qualification in that trade. In all apprenticeship trades or occupations, apprentices must be
trained by individuals deemed to have the skills outlined in the specific Training Standard. The Ministry of
Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) can assess an employer’s/sponsor’s eligibility to train.
This is done on an individual case basis, generally at the time of registration.
What is the difference between a registered OYAP student and an apprentice?
By definition OYAP students are still attending secondary school and earning credits for the work they are
doing. Once registered with MAESD, students remain in the apprentice database until they complete their
training or withdraw from the program. In terms of workplace participation, employers/sponsors should
consider registered OYAP students to be apprentices. In order to continue post-secondary Apprenticeship
training, an OYAP student must meet the education requirements for her/his specific Apprenticeship.
How does an employer/sponsor register an OYAP student as an apprentice?
Registering an OYAP student is a simple process. The employer/sponsor grants the school board permission to
forward information regarding the placement to the local area MAESD Apprenticeship Office, asking for the
student to be registered. The student will then be invited to attend a “Signing Night” where he/she will sign
his/her Registered Training Agreement. A training consultant from the MAESD will mail the employer/sponsor
the Registered Training Agreement to sign and return. If the candidate for apprenticeship is under the age of
18, parent/guardian signatures will be required on the Registered Training Agreement.
What changes if an employer/sponsor registers an OYAP student as an apprentice?
Very little changes when the student is registered. An OYAP student will already be doing work associated with
the apprenticeship trade or occupation. The student will receive a copy of the appropriate training standard
and the employer/sponsor will be asked to validate any competencies and verify accumulated hours the
student achieves during the placement. The employer is not obligated to extend this contract beyond the
OYAP placement.
What are the benefits of registering an OYAP student as an apprentice?
Registering a student allows her/him to work towards completing competencies, be credited for hours, and
gain access to apprenticeship schooling after graduation. The student benefits greatly from this opportunity!
The employer/sponsor may wish to continue the student’s apprenticeship training after she/he graduates. If
the employer/sponsor is unable to commit to further training, at least a difficult door has been opened for this
young person.
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