Find Success in the Skilled Trades

A skilled trade is a career path that requires a particular skill set, specialty knowledge and training and is usually hands-on.

Some skilled trades require an apprenticeship. Why would you try an apprenticeship trade?

Watch this video!

LEARN MORE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIP

Explore Careers in

140+

Skilled Trades

DISCOVER EACH TRADE

Earn money while you learn

It all starts with OYAP

FAQ

Are there any costs for an employer to take on an OYAP apprentice?

Is the student guaranteed employment upon graduation?

Are students paid for their apprenticeship training?

MYTH BUSTING

There are a lot of myths about apprenticeship and the skilled trades.

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SKILLED TRADES JOBS DO NOT PAY WELL.

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FIND OUT THE TRUTH

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Skilled trades are a dead-end job.

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FIND OUT THE TRUTH

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Working in the trades is dangerous.

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FIND OUT THE TRUTH

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Skilled trade work isn’t important.

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FIND OUT THE TRUTH

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Skilled trades are for men.

”

FIND OUT THE TRUTH

How you can help as an employer

Learn More

Skilled Trades on Social Media

What’s up in the Skilled Trades?

Jun 14

Open

Solo oil change complete! ⚒️ 🚘 Jackson safely lifted his car, used tools effectively, navigated the inventory, checked measurements for accuracy, and properly drained and refilled the engine oil! Hands on experience riversideautoservice has provided him with an opportunity to get ahead in techniques and skills as he goes off to college for Heavy Duty Machinery Mechanic at Sault College! ⚙️ #coop #oyap #trades #handsonlearning

Jun 13

Open

Co-op Expo 2024/2025 - congratulations on your hard work this semester! #tcdsb #cooperativeeducation #coop #placements #shsm #oyap

Jun 13

Open

Under the guidance of Mr. Mike Stevenson, Saint Michael Catholic High School stmmustangs construction students recently rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on charcuterie board workshop in the school’s newly equipped TAS Lab! 🛠️

Starting with raw lumber, students dressed, sanded, glued, and finished custom boards — complete with handles and rubber feet — as special gifts for the 2025 Niagara Catholic retirees 🎁

This hands-on experience not only allowed students to build their technical skills but also introduced them to potential career pathways through programs like OYAP and SHSM, reinforcing the value of learning by doing. 🪵

Grade 10 student Nicolas said it best:
“It was a fun experience. It’s nice to know that the charcuterie board will be going to people who have helped shape our future.”

#HandsOnLearning #TASLab #NiagaraCatholic #OYAP #SHSM #SkilledTrades #CatholicEducation #StudentSuccess

Jun 13

Open

Congratulations to the new apprentice and CHSS student, Eric Neutel. He's been registered as a Truck and Coach Technician with Redline Trucks Inc.

#amdsbOYAP #OYAP #SkilledTrades #apprenticeship #310T
centralhuron_chss amdsbpathways

Jun 12

Open

These outstanding students all got 100% on the EDM test in the second half of their first semester.

UTG appreciates everyone's participation and success. Way to go!

#uniquetoolandgauge #manufacturing #apprenticeship #oyap #yqg #students #studentsuccess #highschoolstudents #careers #careersinmanufacturing #manufacturingcareers

Jun 11

Open

It’s always a good sign when the Co-op employer starts paying a student to stay after co-op hours are done. For Luc that happened early in the term. It’s an even better sign when the boss trusts you to put together the BBQ for Friday lunches. Trust me - this assignment has to go to a highly reliable member of the team. #sdcicoop #oyap #heavyequipment

Jun 11

Open

🎉 OYAP Night of Celebration Simcoe County Style 🎉

Last night was something special.

We celebrated a record-breaking 150 students from the Simcoe County District School Board who signed up as apprentices through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) this year, nearly double last year’s total.

That’s not just a stat.
That’s momentum.
That’s the trades getting the recognition they deserve.
That’s futures being built with real opportunity.

To the students who chose this path:
You’re not taking a step back — you’re stepping ahead.

And to the educators, employers, and families who supported them — thank you for helping to change the narrative.

Simcoe is setting the bar.

🛠️ Let’s keep raising it.

#OYAP #ApprenticeshipWorks #SkilledTrades #NextGenSkilledTrades #SCDSB

🕗 Check out my post every day at 8am EST.

Jun 11

Open

Congratulations to new apprentices and LDSS students Jonathon and Joshua Warkentin. They have been registered as Plumbers with parrmechanical Plumbing and Heating.

#amdsbOYAP #OYAP #SkilledTrades #apprenticeship #306A

listoweldss amdsbpathways

Jun 11

Open

Malek performed an oil change for his RPT! The skills he has learned newroadsmazda will help him next year in college as he trains to be an automotive service technician! 🚘 ✅ #coop #oyap #skilledtrades

Jun 11

Open

Congratulations to LDSS students and new apprentices Jonathon and Joshua Warkentin on officially registering as Plumbers with parrmechanical Plumbing and Heating!

#amdsbOYAP #OYAP #SkilledTrades #apprenticeship #306A
listoweldss amdsbpathways

Jun 11

Open

🎉Congratulations to the 140 scdsb students who have signed on for a variety of amazing apprenticeships! #skilledtrades #scdsb #OYAP An amazing accomplishment, worthy of a great celebration🥳🤩 “Apprenticeship IS post secondary education!”

Jun 10

Open

A big thank you to Handy Building Ltd. of Barrie for sponsoring knightzonejoa COOP student Nick Stewart as a 403A General Carpenter #OYAP! Nick is completing his 4-credit COOP course and will continue working full-time to gain trade hours after graduation. Congratulations!! #coopworks #403a

Jun 10

Open

Congratulations to knightzonejoa Coop Student - Mathew!! Mathew is now a 310S "Automotive Service Technician! A big thanks to Borden Angus Servicentre for supporting our coop program and hosting Matt as an OYAP student. #coopworks #oyap #310s

Jun 10

Open

Congratulations to Chelsea who was signed to OYAP as a Hairstylist! Thank you to Denise at Mainstreet Hair for supporting Chelsea and Nantyr Co-op! mainstreet_hair scdsb wetheshores nantyrguidance #mycoop #oyap #experientiallearning

Jun 10

Open

Co-op students at work! Reed Bowles at his placement at Morrison/Everitt Ltd with former Northwestern grad and coworker Bailey Satchell. Reed is learning to perfect his welding skills and learning some of the finer details that goes into custom fabrication.

#coopworks #OYAP #amdsbpathways #SDSSGoldenBears

Jun 10

Open

Jun 9

Open

OYAP 2025 Garden tour and freestyle plating. Great job all of you!
(Olivia, I didn't single you out, there were an odd number of students today 😊)
#OYAP
#oyapculinary
#durhamcollegeculinary

Jun 9

Open

Find Success in the Skilled Trades

Earn money while you learn

FAQ

MYTH BUSTING

How you can help as an employer

Skilled Trades on Social Media

NEED MORE LOCAL INFORMATION?

HOW CAN EMPLOYERS GET INVOLVED?

Find Success in the Skilled Trades

Earn money while you learn

FAQ

MYTH BUSTING

How you can help as an employer

Skilled Trades on Social Media

NEED MORE LOCAL INFORMATION?

HOW CAN EMPLOYERS GET INVOLVED?

Discover your true passion!

Consider a career in the skilled trades!