Accelerated Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

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Program Description:

Accelerated OYAP Level 1 programs are significantly different from most Dual Credit courses offered at George Brown College in terms of the application process, level of commitment, and class schedule. These programs are for students who have a serious interest pursuing a career in in a particular Skilled Trade. The programs are offered to students who are currently registered as full-time students in high school, are about to graduate, and are planning a career in the Skilled trades. George Brown College is offering six (6) Accelerated OYAP programs during Winter 2025:

  • Construction and Maintenance Electrician Apprentice (309A)
  • Plumber Apprentice (306A)
  • Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic Apprentice (313A)
  • Basic Carpentry Apprentice (403A)
  • Cook (415A)
  • Baker (423A)

The schooling provided is the Level 1 of trade school for apprentice training.

Program Details:

Students register for Co-op at their high school for the Winter semester. If accepted into the Accelerated OYAP program, they will attend their Co-op placement for as well as a full-time program at George Brown College for 8 weeks (Carpentry, Plumbing, Refrigeration), 9 weeks (Electrician) or 15 weeks (Cook and Bake programs). All Accelerated OYAP Level 1 programs have an extensive lab/shop component which students must attend in order to successfully complete their Level 1 training.  Students must pass all courses to achieve the Level One.  Students have the opportunity to learn valuable skills that may be beneficial towards finding employment in the industry.

    Technology Programs

    Plumbing, Electrician, Carpentry and Refrigeration programs are held at George Brown’s Casa Loma campus (146 Kendal Avenue, Toronto), where students will have a total of 240 to 270 hours of theory and lab training. The College-based Level 1 programs are delivered during an 8 or 9 week period with approximately 30 hours per week of in-person instruction. Students attend their Coop placements when NOT attending the Level 1 program.

    Culinary Programs

    Cook and Bake programs are held at George Brown’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (300 Adelaide St. East, Toronto) with a total of 366 hours of theory and lab training. Students attend the Level 1 program at George Brown College for 2-3 days a week during March and April and for 5 days a week during May and June. Students attend their Coop placements when NOT attending the College-based Level 1 program.

    Programs:

    Construction & Maintenance Electrician Apprentice (309A)

    In the Construction & Maintenance Electrician Level 1 program, students will enroll in courses such as: Electrical Code, Installation Methods, Instrumentation, Prints and Electronics.

    Electrical lab at GBC

    Plumber Apprentice (306A)

    In the Plumber Apprentice Level 1 program, students will enroll in courses such as: Plumbing Systems, Tools and Piping Methods, Trade Calculations, Workplace Safety, Rigging and Hoisting, Trade Documentation, and Welding. (Photo: George Brown Plumbing Lab with Colin Lewis, Shop faculty)

    Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic Apprentice (313A)

    In this Level 1 program, students will enroll in courses such as: Mechanical Cooling Cycle Fundamentals, Mechanical Cooling Cycle Components, Electrical Fundamentals, Trade Practices, and Pipe Joining Installation and System Start-up and Welding.  The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic Level 1 program is a general program which covers basic components of commercial and residential air conditioning.  For Levels 2 & 3, students will choose between the commercial air conditioning and residential air conditioning pathways. (Photo: Prof. Milt Aimoniotis (middle) in the Refrigeration lab with 2 students)

    Basic Carpentry Apprentice (403A)

    This program is designed for students who are about to graduate and are seriously planning a career as a Carpenter. Courses included are “Introduction to Carpentry” and “Trade Calculations” and there is an extensive lab/shop component to the program. Students have the opportunity to learn valuable skills that can help them find work in the industry and get a head start on an apprenticeship.  The schooling provided is the Basic Level of trade school for apprentices training to be General Carpenters.  Students may earn up to two secondary school credits in this program.

    Cook (415A)

    In the Cook level 1, students will enroll in courses such as Kitchen Management, Food Theory, Basic Nutrition, Culinary Techniques, Business Development, Techniques of Baking, Bake Theory.

    Baker (423A)

    In the Baker level 1, students will enroll in courses such as Fermentation and Related Skills, Bakery and Bake Shop Skills, Sanitation, Safety and Equipment, Pastry,  Calculations theory, Ingredients theory.

    Admission Requirements:

    Students interested in these programs must first submit an application to the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Coordinator at their school board. Please see the Co-operative Education teacher at your secondary school to begin the application process. Candidates chosen for consideration may be required to go through an interview/testing process with a selection committee.

    Benefits:

    • If successful in all courses, students will achieve their Level 1 Apprenticeship training
    • Students in Carpentry/Electrician/Plumbing/Refrigeration OYAP Level 1 programs can earn up to two Dual Credits that count towards their OSSD requirements, if they successfully pass the Level 1 program.
    • Students in OYAP Cook and Bake programs can earn up to three Dual Credits that count towards their OSSD requirements, if they successfully pass the Level 1 program.
      Students can earn up to two Dual Credits that count towards their OSSD requirements.
    • If successful in all courses, students will achieve their Level 1 Apprenticeship training
    • The program is free (transportation, textbooks, and student fees are covered)
    • Students will be registered George Brown college students and receive a student number and identification card
    • Access to all college services (Gym, Library, Computer labs) and events
    • An official transcript will be provided at the end of the course upon request
    • For further information about all Accelerated OYAP programs, contact your School Board representative or OYAP Coordinator below:

    School Board Contacts

    Toronto District School Board

    Matthew Bradley
    Coordinator: OYAP Secondary Pathways 7-12
    140 Borough Drive, 2nd Floor
    Toronto, ON M6M 3P1
    Phone: (647) 467-9744
    Email: matthew.bradley@tdsb.on.ca

    Shannon McLeod
    Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
    1 Civic Centre Court, 1st floor
    Etobicoke, ON M9C 2B3
    Phone: (647) 458-8652
    Email: shannon.mcleod@tdsb.on.ca

    Toronto Catholic District School Board

    Caterina Maietta
    OYAP Lead Teacher
    80 Sheppard Avenue East
    Toronto, ON M2N 6E8
    Phone: (416) 222-8282
    Email: caterina.maietta@tcdsb.org

    Dianna Cacace
    OYAP Resource Teacher 
    Toronto Catholic District School Board 
    80 Sheppard Ave E.
    North York, ON M2N 6E8
    Tel. 416-222-8282 extension 2960
    Email: dianna.cacace@tcdsb.org

    York Region District School Board

    Erin Keyzers
    Co-op/OYAP Consultant
    Email: erin.keyzers@yrdsb.ca

    David Lovisa
    YRDSB Regional Dual Credit / OYAP Teacher
    (office) (905) 780-7858, ext. 181
    (cell) (647) 545-6927 (OYAP)
    Email: David.Lovisa@yrdsb.ca

    York Catholic District School Board

    Nat Gencarelli
    Pathways Consultant, K to 12
    OYAP/Dual Credit
    320 Bloomington Road West,
    Aurora, ON L4G 0M1
    Tel. (905) 713-1211, ext. 13666
    Phone (647) 518-7012
    Email: natale.gencarelli@ycdsb.ca

    Peel District School Board

    Lisa Shen
    Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Resource Teacher
    5650 Hurontario St.
    Mississauga, ON L5R 1C6
    Email: Lisa.Shen@peelsb.com

    Frank Palmieri
    OYAP Monitor and Support OfficerPeel District School Board
    416-737-4811
    frank.palmieri@peelsb.com

    Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

    Alda Nunes
    Academic Consultant: OYAP and Experiential Consultant, 7-12
    Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board 
    40 Matheson Boulevard West, Mississauga ON L5R 1C5
    Tel: 905-890-1221, ext. 24516; Direct: 905-301-9263
    Email: alda.nunes@dpcdsb.org