Apprenticeship Training
Chatham-Kent residents are fortunate to have a number of apprenticeship training opportunities to choose from.
Individuals interested in an occupation in the area of skilled trades may wish to further explore one or more of the following programs:
• Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
• Ontario Skills Development Program
• Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
• Co-Op Diploma Apprenticeship Program
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship (OYAP) program is available for students that are 16 years or older. The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities support apprenticeships at all ages and promote the Interprovincial Standards Program or Red Seal Program allowing apprentices to work in other provinces. The school-to-work transition program allows fulltime students in Grades 11 and 12 to earn Cooperative Education Credits through work placements in skilled trades.
Individuals wishing to learn more should contact their local high school guidance counsellor, co-op education teacher, or the community's Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordinator.
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Ontario Skills Development Program
The Ontario Skills Development program can help participants with short-term training that will help to build their skills so that they can get a job. The program can provide financial help for things like books and tuition fees, and better chances for finding a long-term job.
Those who qualify are: unemployed, eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) or were eligible within the past three years, or, left work to care for a newborn or newly adopted child and were eligible for EI maternity or parental benefits within the past five years.
To learn more, contact a local Employment Ontario counsellor.
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Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program helps potential entrants to the apprenticeship system develop their job skills and trade readiness so that they will be prepared to find work as apprentices.
Programs, up to 40 weeks in duration, include the Level 1 apprenticeship in-school training, applicable safety training, and a minimum 8-week-long workplace placement. Other aspects, including trade readiness, employment preparation and/or academic upgrading may be included.
This program is open to a wide range of clients, including high school graduates, those who left school early, unemployed/underemployed youth and adults, EI/Non-EI eligible individuals, aboriginal people, newcomers to Canada.
Pre-Apprenticeship programs are offered by various organizations -- such as post-secondary institutions, approved apprenticeship deliverers, and community agencies at various times throughout the year. For more information, contact the Employment Ontario Hotline at 1.800.387.5656.
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Co-Op Diploma Apprenticeship Program
The Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship Program combines a college diploma program and apprenticeship training. After completing diploma courses and apprenticeship in-school training in a related skilled trade, program participants are awarded a Certificate of Qualification.
Individuals who want to register for the program must meet all eligibility criteria for both the college diploma program as well as the apprenticeship training.
Participating colleges advertise the program in the brochures and/or on their website. Locally, apprenticeship training programs are offered at Ridgetown College/University of Guelph and at the James A. Burgess Campus of St. Clair College.
For more information on apprenticeship training opportunities in Chatham-Kent, please contact Economic Development Services.