DCDSB students have been participating in OYAP and OYAP Level 1 Programs. Learn more about their experiences below.
Alex is a Grade 12 OYAP student at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School. He is enrolled in Cooperative Education with a placement at the Facility Services Department within the Durham Catholic District School Board. Watch Alex's video on our YouTube page.
I was so thrilled last June when I heard of my acceptance into the Level 1 OYAP Hair program at Durham Hairstylist Academy. I am currently enrolled this semester, and from only attending the program since February, I can most definitely say this was the best decision for me. Not only do you learn about the basics of hair, like health and safety, you get hands on experience, on both straight and curly hair mannequins. Sometimes even working on your classmates hair as well. This isn’t a typical classroom setting, it’s “divided” into two sections. First section is the working/learning section, we have big group tables, that multiple students can sit at. The rest of the classroom is a salon like setting, we have a salon chair and mirror at each work station. There’s a colour room, hair wash station, etc. We get our own mannequins, textbook, basic hair tools, and much more. If you are questioning choosing hair for your post-secondary pathway, this program is a great opportunity! Or even when deciding what to take next year for your electives, pick the 4-credit co-op course and apply for the OYAP hair program. Even if you’re a student who would rather be working and learning hands on than sit at a desk for hours, apply for the program. The teachers at the academy are so kind and genuine, you can tell their end goal is to make all the attending students, amazing stylists just like themselves.
- Cassidy, St. Mary Catholic Secondary School OYAP Level 1 Hair student
Throughout my continuous journey in the Accelerated OYAP Plumbing program, I have exceeded my learning and working potential. The program has dipped many young students' feet in the water of the life of a trade's person, but I feel like I have been fully submerged. Between balancing education at high school, Durham College, and the life of a worker, there is ample time to learn and succeed. I have been given this great opportunity, the same one many before me have been given, and it truly is a wonderful experience. I will be forever grateful for the chance I have to further my learning and working habits in the Accelerated OYAP Plumbing Program. I have started my apprenticeship journey through this program and look forward to continuing after graduation.
- Romas, St. Mary Catholic Secondary School Level 1 Accelerated OYAP plumbing student
I've been really enjoying the OYAP program and I am proud of all the new skills that I've already developed. Although the program only started a couple of months ago, I'm surprised at the amount of things that I've learned so far. Being able to completely focus on this career path without other school subjects distracting me was one of the best decisions that I've made and would highly recommend it because the program is already paid for and is really good to put on a resume, even if you don't go into that specific career.
- Alyssa L., St. Mary Catholic Secondary School Level 1 Accelerated OYAP Carpentry student
Jarone and Princewill are Grade 12 students at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School enrolled in Cooperative Education/OYAP at Canadian Tire Ajax Service Department.
Keith is a Grade 12 student at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School enrolled in Cooperative Education/OYAP. Keith completed his placement at Durham BMW in Ajax.
“My OYAP placement with HouseMasters Construction has taught me the necessary skills that I need to continue my apprenticeship journey towards a career in carpentry. Furthermore, it has given me the confidence to decide to apply to the Level 1 OYAP General Carpenter program for next year. Through this cooperative education experience in a skilled trade work placement, I have learned about the various tools and techniques that are used to frame a house. I am required to be patient and take the proper precautions to ensure that I am being safe when using power tools or working at heights. I recommend OYAP because it is a great opportunity for any student to gain skills and confidence in the apprenticeship pathway.”
- Jaida, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Student at All Saints Catholic Secondary School
