Over the past 12 years, thousands of secondary school students from across Ontario have jumped into apprenticeship training as registered apprentices, while working toward the completion of a secondary school diploma.
Through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), this opportunity has been a dream come true for many students.
Sharon Orlak, OYAP project manager at the Rainbow District School Board, said as a result of the program, many students have successfully graduated from high school, with a head start in the trades. Many are certified by the age of 23.
“Beginning a career in a trade eight to 10 years ahead of their peers has given these young people a competitive edge,” Orlak said.
Many trades are in desperate need to recruit young people thanks to the effect of the baby boomer generation opting to retire.
By 2021, it is estimated that one million skilled trades workers are expected to retire across Canada.
Because of this transition to retirement, employers recognize that without new tradespeople, various industries will be impacted by shortages. With Sudbury’s current mining super-cycle, the demand for skilled trades will be felt not only in mining, but industries such as construction, mining services and others.
“The sky is the limit,” Orlak said. “Students and parents need to know that skilled trades provide a lucrative and rewarding career choice.”
For Josh Brisson, a graduate of Chelmsford Valley District Composite School who was hired by Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation Technique Canada, it certainly was.
“The co-op experience from OYAP was extremely valuable to me,” Brisson said.
Brian Bernier couldn’t agree more. The work shop manager at Atlas Copco said Brisson has “shined” to become one of the company’s best apprentices.
“Taking a chance with the apprentice, in my mind, is no longer a risk — it is something that needs to be done for our trades to survive,” he said.
Brisson registered as an apprentice heavy duty equipment technician while still in high school, and is now working in the trade. He said he plans to continue his apprenticeship and attend trades school at Sault College this fall.
Grade 11 and 12 students considering a future in the trades can talk with a co-operative education teacher or school guidance counsellor for more details on their OYAP options.
OYAP is funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) in partnership with school boards throughout Ontario. The apprentice pays only a small fee to attend. As a result, the “earn while you learn” apprenticeship route is a cost-effective way to get an education in the workplace with no tuition debt to repay. All school boards in our community offer OYAP.
Reggie Caverson is the executive director of Workforce Planning for Sudbury and Manitoulin. This article is the first in a series of four on the skilled trades. Watch for next week’s column on what happens to students after high school and education debts.
Posted by Laurel Myers
