Why be an OYAP employer?

In Halton we call OYAP employers Apprenticeship Training Partners

An Apprenticeship Training Partnership ATP is designed to help employers and students through the expensive first year of Apprenticeship training.

Can you partner with us…

and help a graduating or newly graduated secondary school student make a smooth, successful transition into their post secondary education Apprenticeship program?

An ATP is a partnership between:

  • Community Partners like yourself (Employers)
  • A young man or woman who wants to pursue their post secondary education through Apprenticeship
  • Halton Catholic District & Halton District School Boards
  • and Job Connect

Which type of OYAP student should I try? Should I choose an OYAP, OYAP Co-op or Concentrated OYAP student?

Program

Defined as…

Purpose

Comment

 

OYAP

student

any grade 11 or 12 student doing coop in an apprenticeship occupation for the purpose of …

 

exploring this as a potential career

The co-op placement is exploratory in nature.

The placement is assigned by the school

co-op teacher

 

OYAP Coop

student

 

Any grade 12 student taking Coop in an apprenticeship occupation for the purpose of …

 

being registered as an apprentice

The student is involved in finding their own

Co-op placement as they are looking for a placement that has the potential to become an apprenticeship / job.

 

Concentrated OYAP

student

 

Any grade 11 or 12 student taking a specialized

pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship course in addition to their OYAP

coop placement

for the purpose of …

 

being prepared for academic success in the apprenticeship courses offered a college and becoming a registered apprentice

Concentrated OYAP teacher assists the student in finding an appropriate OYAP Co-op placement.

Students may also earn a “pre-apprenticeship program certificate” or possibly be exempted from the first level of apprenticeship training usually taught at a local college.

In Halton Concentrated OYAP students are recommended when available because these students have enhanced preparation for pursuing an Apprenticeship. see Below

If a Concentrated OYAP program is not available OYAP Co-op is then recommended.

All employers may be able to assist by taking an OYAP student wanting to explore an apprenticeship through a regular co-op with no further commitment.

To see if Concentrated OYAP is available in your trade refer to this chart and look for the OYAP Logo behind the Trade name.

In Halton we offer special Apprenticeship preparation courses called…Concentrated OYAP Programs

Students from all over Halton apply to these programs.

Concentrated OYAP programs are taught at only one or two locations in Halton.

  • "Concentrated OYAP" is based on the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' Apprenticeship Curriculum Guideline (Level 1 or Basic)
  • During the in-school preparation courses, students will attend classes either half days for a full school year, or full days for one semester.
  • Students complete 2 hours of homework every night.
  • The program consists of at least 4 in-school credits and a minimum of two Co-op credits.

Concentrated OYAP programs provide additional apprenticeship preparation!

Academic Readiness

OYAP students are assessed for academic readiness for Apprenticeship Training. Once Math, Communications, and Science skills are assessed, students will then receive individualized attention in developing the knowledge and skills they will require to be successful in the Apprenticeship courses offered at the College level.

Safety Awareness

These students will receive training and certification in the following areas:

Standard First Aid, Adult CPR, Young Worker Awareness and, WHMIS

In addition Construction students will be certified in: CSAO Health and Safety Basic, CSAO WHMIS and CSAO Fall Protection

Work Habits and Attitude

Concentrated Students understand that Apprenticeship training is expensive for employers.

They realize their job for most of the first two years of Apprenticeship will be to assist the Journeyman.

Please help these students gain some…Work Experience!

These graduating young men and women are prepared to work for you for a minimum of 200 hours as Cooperative Education students (pay or a training allowance are optional).

Electrical Concentrated OYAP students are exempt from Ministry ratios and wage rates

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Getting Started: Employer Steps

  1. You have decided to try out OYAP! That's great! You understand the value of apprenticeships. Call your local OYAP facilitator http://www.schooltocareer.ca/oyap/contacts-board.html
  2. Your OYAP facilitator will provide you with eager, committed students to interview.
  3. Give them a chance by providing your OYAP student with an unpaid co-op experience.
  4. It's working out! Now you can register your student as an apprentice.
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Benefits

  • You can help reduce the predicted shortage of skilled trades people in Halton.
  • You can help promote Apprenticeship as a viable post-secondary education pathway.
  • You can evaluate potential Apprentices while helping them get started.
  • You can insure the availability of qualified Apprentices by contributing to their first year of education and training.
  • Apprenticeships allow you to invest in your business's future. By taking on an apprentice you can acquire specialist skills for your business that allow you to keep abreast of new technology and stay competitive.
  • OYAP provides employers with a new source of workers to address the shortage of skilled people needed to compete in today's global economy. Training and mentoring a student through OYAP opens the door to a better future for our youth and helps maintain a skilled workforce in our community. Young apprentices are eager to learn and have the right kind of attitude.
  • Apprenticeships equip young people with the skills and knowledge to do the job better. OYAP students are motivated, work hard and have received a significant amount of safety training which could include: WHMIS, First Aid, CPR (Adult & Infant), Fall Arrest, Ropes and Rigging.
  • Apprentices are motivated people who are keen to learn. By offering Apprenticeships you will find it easier to recruit and retain able young and bright people.
  • Provide leadership within the business community by training apprentices
  • Develops supervisory skills in your employees as they act as student supervisors
  • Provides input into curriculum of educational system
  • Schools respond to training needs of employers
  • Contribute to the development of attitudes and skills of OYAP students
  • Workers Safety Insurance Board protection for the student is provided by the Ministry of Education
  • Receives recognition as a part of the National Apprenticeship Program, to create greater prestige through local and national recognition.
  • Creates fewer turnovers. Apprentices are more committed to the employer and the trade and have higher levels of job satisfaction.
  • Reduces training costs.
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FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Q: Are students provided with Workers Safety Insurance coverage?
A: Yes, the Ministry of Education covers the student under WSIB during the hours in the work placement as outlined on the Work Education Agreement. When the student is registered as an apprentice and PAID, the employer provides the WSIB protection. The student can be given a gratuity and still be covered by the Ministry of Education as outlined in the WEA. This coverage is documented in the form of a Work Education Agreement (WEA), which is signed, by the employer, student, parent and teacher prior to the student commencing work.
Q: Are students paid for their apprenticeship training?
A: OYAP students are on a "trial" basis for their first co-operative education placement, which could last as long as 4-5 months in a semestered school as well as through part of the summer (mid June to the end of July). After this period, we would expect that paid summer employment might be made available to the student. The employer would then be responsible for the student's WSIB coverage. Students may progress from unpaid co-op to part time employees to full time apprentices. Funding may be available to assist with the cost of Training if the student graduates and is taken on full time.
Q: What do I do when I am ready to sign the student for his apprenticeship?
A: The OYAP teacher and facilitator work very closely with the Training Consultants for the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) with OYAP. They will facilitate the apprentice registration process with MTCU for you, the employer. They will also contact the local Job Connect office so you will learn more about any financial support available to you.
Q: As an employer, how do I choose the employee to train the student?
A: Selection is dependent upon your knowledge of your employees, and who would best suit the trainer role. The OYAP facilitator or co-operative education teacher could assist you with this decision.
Q: Should students be performing actual job functions at my place of employment?
A: Yes, the students are to learn all of the skill competencies necessary to meet the skills and requirements of the Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities for that particular apprenticeship. As the student becomes more proficient, it is expected that the level of responsibility will also increase. The student's participation will be limited only by legal regulations, safety precautions, and judgement calls made by the employer.
Q: Am I obligated to accept the student(s) after the interview process?
A: The final choice is ultimately up to the employer. The student must fit the employer's criterion as a potential employee. The employer is under no obligation to accept the student after the interview.
Q: How are conflicts handled?
A: If a poor attitude or negative behaviour is evident, please inform the OYAP facilitator coordinator or co-operative education teacher as early as possible. All attempts to correct the situation will be made. If this is unsuccessful, the placement may have to be terminated. If there is an inability to learn or perform the tasks required, please contact the OYAP facilitator or co-operative education teacher. The career choice of the student will be re-evaluated, and if the situation does not improve, the placement will end for the student. If there is a personality conflict that cannot be mended, then the placement will be terminated.
Q: How do I get more information about becoming involved as an employer?
A: For more Information on HOW TO BECOME INVOLVED as an employer for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program contact the Boards OYAP Facilitator: http://www.schooltocareer.ca/oyap/contacts-board.html
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Employers Incentives

Job Connect Funding

The OYAP teacher and facilitator work very closely with the Training Consultants for the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) and with your local Job Connect office. They will facilitate the apprentice registration process with MTCU for you, the employer. They will also contact the local Job Connect office so you will learn more about any financial support available to you. This communication allows you the employer to make a smooth transition into supported full time employment with your new apprentice.

Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit

Employers who take on apprentices will receive a $15,000 tax credit over three years, Finance Minister Greg Sorbara announced in his Ontario budget speech May 18, 2004. The Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit should help boost the number of apprentices in Ontario's four sectors: Industrial, Construction, Motive Power and Service.

Depending on the size of the business, the refundable tax credit would reimburse employers for 25% to 30% of the cost of wages for eligible apprenticeships. The 2004 Ontario Budget also states that the Province will provide new funding of $11.7 million annually by 2006-2007 to expand apprenticeship.

The Ontario government will also provide fifteen hundred $1,000 scholarships annually for high school leavers who return to complete their high school credentials and enter apprenticeships, through funding of $3 million in 2004-2005, growing to $4.5 million annually by 2005-2006. This initiative also includes a $2,000 signing bonus for employers to encourage them to train these young people as apprentices.

2004 Ontario Provincial Budget Excerpts
How is the proposed Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit going to work?
Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit

As part of building a solid foundation to support a new generation of economic growth, the government proposes to introduce a new Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit (ATTC) to encourage the hiring of apprentices in certain skilled trades. The ATTC would complement other apprenticeship program measures that are being announced in this Budget to help increase the availability of skilled workers in key sectors of the economy.

Tax Incentive

Corporations and unincorporated businesses would be eligible for a 25 per cent refundable tax credit on eligible expenditures incurred with respect to eligible apprentices. For businesses with total payroll costs not exceeding $400,000, the tax credit rate would be increased to 30 per cent.

An employer would be eligible for a tax credit of up to $5,000 per year per eligible apprentice to a maximum of $15,000 over the first 36 months of the apprenticeship. The maximum annual tax credit of $5,000 would be pro-rated for the number of days the apprentice is employed with that employer during the year.

Eligible Expenditures

Eligible expenditures would be salaries and wages paid after May 18, 2004 and before January 1, 2011 to an eligible apprentice.