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?

May 21

Open

New Program Launch: Building Pathways ⚡️

Today, we officially launched our Building Pathways pilot in partnership with WRDSB OYAP and it was a day packed with exploration, skill-building and inspiration.

We welcomed 30 Grade 6 students from Janet Metcalfe PS and Jean Steckle PS to dive into careers in skilled trades through:
 🔨 A toolbox-building workshop with tradeswomen mentors 🛠️ Career exploration lab with VR heavy machine operating and VR headset forklift operation 🧠 A Skilled Trades in Ontario discovery session 🎯 Skills testing inside the Build a Dream Career Exploration Trailer sponsored by St Clair College

By starting the conversation early and showing what’s possible, we’re helping young students, especially girls, see themselves in these careers before bias or barriers take hold.

📩 Want to bring Building Pathways to your school or board? Reach out to katherine@webuildadream.com to get started.

#BuildingPathways #OYAP #SkilledTrades #GirlsInTrades #CareerExploration #TakeYourSpace

May 21

Open

A huge thank you to Carworx Automotive Service Professionals Barrie for sponsoring knightzonejoa coop student Lukas as a 310S "Automotive Service Technician"! Lukas is set to graduate from JOA next month, having completed 440 hours in his apprenticeship program. #Coop is working!! #OYAP #coopworks #310s

May 21

Open

Congratulations to knightzonejoa coop student - Morgan!! Morgan is now a 313A "Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic" with the OYAP program! A big thank you to #corhrefrigerationandhvac for sponsoring our co-op student and promoting the trades to our youth! #OYAP #coopworks #313a

May 21

Open

🙏 Even though It has almost been two weeks since the #OCTE2025 Conference, we’re still feeling inspired!

We would like to give another shout out and special thank you to our incredible sponsors — your support helped us celebrate 25 years of technological education in Ontario and deliver a meaningful, future-focused event.

Your commitment continues to empower educators and students across the province. 💡🛠️

#ThankYouSponsors #TakeTech #TeachTech #SHSM #OYAP #SkilledTrades #STEM #FutureReady #OntarioEducation #ThinkSkilledTrades #SkilledTradesOntario

May 21

Open

Desi is earning four credits in his full day co-op placement with bgis_na where he is learning the required skills needed to be a successful eletrician's apprentice. Desi has shown great commitment, and we could not be prouder of you, Desi. brguidance hwcdsb_pathtosuccess brcsschool oyaphwcdsb #coopisworking #pathwayplanning #oyap #ourstudentsareamazing

May 20

Open

These incredible co-op students are gaining hands-on experience and kickstarting their careers in the skilled trades through OYAP! 💼🛠️

From construction to automotive, electrical to plumbing—these students are showing what it means to learn by doing. 💪 The future of the trades is bright, and it starts here.

Want to turn your passion into a career? Take Co-op and explore the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program to see where the trades can take you!

#OYAP #StudentSpotlight #SkilledTrades #CoopStudents #TradesCareers #HandsOnLearning #FutureInTrades

May 20

Open

May 16

Open

Awesome day tmpcayuga with Bishop Ryan Transportation classes and featuring Bishop Ryan's, own Kat Vegas! Thank you to the Specialist High Skills Major program for its support of this field trip. #pathwayplanning #ourstudentsareamazing #oyap #torontomotorsportspark

May 16

Open

🔨👷‍♂️ JFR students were hard at work gaining hands-on experience in the carpenterslocal785 training centre and diving into the world of Carpentry! 🪚📐 They explored the many specialties within the trade, learned what Carpenters do, and discovered the important math skills behind the craft ➕➖✖️➗
🙌 Huge shoutout to ugdsb_oyap for making this possible, and to the Carpenters 🛠️ for sharing their time, skills, and passion with our future trades pros!
#SkilledTrades #OYAP #FutureCarpenters #UGDSB #PathwaysToSuccess#OYAPWorks

May 16

Open

This group of winning OYAP students took the Label Mold Components Test, and each scored 100%. You definitely have this! Keep it up!

#uniquetoolandgauge #oyap #apprenticeship #moldcomponents #students #welcometothewinnerscircle

May 16

Open

Proud moment. Respect due, respect given. Our summer student/part timer/Co-op and good friend ben_black2208 has put in the work and officially been accepted into the OYAP program. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship program will fast track Ben into year 1 of an apprenticeship while still in high school.

At 15 years old Ben has taken tremendous effort to engage and learn in the trade of Carpentry. Consistently uses every opportunity to get on site and get on the tools. He impresses all the trades he talks to with his maturity and knowledge. We couldn't be happier for Ben and look forward to helping form him into a master craftsman someday!

skilledtradesontario
#apprenticeshipisanobligation #carpentry #oyap #hardwork #apprentice #trades

May 15

Open

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents and Guardians: Is your teen interested in hands-on learning or a skilled trade?

Here’s how students can transition from high school to a paid apprenticeship:
✔️ Enroll in tech courses, SHSM, or OYAP
✔️ Get real-world experience through co-op
✔️ Connect with a guidance counsellor or OYAP coordinator
✔️ Begin training with an employer while earning credits & wages

Apprenticeships offer high-demand careers, no student debt, and future-ready skills!

#OYAP #SkilledTrades #ParentInfo #StudentSuccess #SHSM #TakeTech #ApprenticeshipPathway #FutureReady #TeachTech #ThinkSkilledTrades #SkilledTradesOntario

May 15

Open

Scissors/boom/forklift training! #specialisthighskillsmajor #oyap #coop #ecdhs #ecd #ernestcdruryschoolforthedeaf #asl #deafeducation #deafed #aslinterpreters #accesstoeducation #accesstolanguage #milton #forklifts #forklifttraining

May 13

Open

Good luck Myles! #oyap #electricalapprentice

May 13

Open

OYAP 2025
Asian Food Class!
#durhamcollegeculinary
#durhamcollege
#oyapculinary
#oyap

May 13

Open

Felix demonstrating the importance of teamwork in the workplace as he helps a colleague fix a component of a tool machine at his placement 🧰 #oyap #coop #teamwork

May 13

Open

Discover Your Future with Ontario’s Job Skills Programs!

Are you looking to get a head start on your career while still in high school? Check out these amazing opportunities:

✔ Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Explore careers in your area of interest with hands-on learning, certifications, and sector-recognized training.

✔ Dual Credit – Earn high school and college credits at the same time! Experience post-secondary learning and discover new pathways. Take classes on campus via Mohawk Bridge Program

✔ Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) – Kick-start a skilled trade career by gaining real-world experience and logging hours toward an apprenticeship.

These programs help you build confidence, gain valuable skills, and graduate with an edge.

Your future starts now—ask your guidance counsellor and coop teacher how to get involved!

#SHSM #DualCredit #OYAP #SkilledTrades #StudentSuccess #PathwaysToSuccess #ontarioeducation #coop

May 13

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!