Elissa turned her good work ethic, ability to self-motivate, and willingness to learn into an apprenticeship as a horticultural technician. She enrolled in OYAP to gain real world experience in a field she grew up participating in by way of a family hobby. Although she never imagined working in the skilled trades, OYAP helped create a career path she didn’t even know existed. To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit https://www.jobtalksoyap.com

Jacob is an automotive service technician apprentice who speaks highly of the career prospects that exist in the skilled trades. He recommends OYAP to anyone with a good work ethic that is looking for rewarding and exciting learning opportunities. Watch Jacob’s interview to learn more about what employers are looking for from students interested in pursuing a job in the trades. To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit https://www.jobtalksoyap.com

Erika became interested in the skilled trades as a young person working on a building project alongside her father. After hearing other women in the trades talk positively about their field experience, she turned her own interests into an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker. OYAP provided Erika with the chance to make a name for herself and gain invaluable skills she can now apply to her work. To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit https://www.jobtalksoyap.com

The students in this video all completed the Auto Service Technician Level 1 Program within their Grade 12, 4 credit co-op program. Each registered apprentice has many positive things to say about this career path and how they came to be on it. Watch to hear more about what it’s like to be a woman working in a male dominated industry, what this program can teach you, and the importance of challenging yourself to try new things. To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit https://www.jobtalksoyap.com

Broc turned his love of being on the water into a career in the Skilled Trades as a Marine Engine Technician Apprentice. He shares what it was like going to trades school and some of the benefits of choosing this career. His co-op teacher stayed in close contact and made sure he was enjoying his placement. Broc’s advice for anyone looking to get into the Skilled Trades is to know that you don’t have to stick with the first one you try, find the one that makes you happy. To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit https://www.jobtalksoyap.com

Madison is currently in the SHSM (Specialist High Skills Majors) Program and will graduate from high school with her red seal on her diploma. As an Auto Body Apprentice, Madison combines math, science and art into job security and a lot of fun. Check out her full interview for more about why jobs in the Skilled Trades are first choice pathways, what OYAP employers are looking for, and some of the advantages of being a women in the trades. To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit https://www.jobtalksoyap.com

Connor is a General Machinist Apprentice who was inspired by family members and his shop teacher to make a career out of an enjoyable field to work in. He shares how he secured his placement, what his coop teacher and OYAP coordinator did to support his progress. He also has some recommendations for high school students looking to succeed in the skilled trades. Listen to learn how increased government funding and support for young people interested in the trades has made an already good experience, great. Job Talks OYAP is a media initiative in partnership with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship program (OYAP), the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB). To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit www.jobtalksoyap.com

Kia is an Electrical Apprentice who finds her job refreshing and intellectually stimulating. She secured her position with the help of her co-op teacher who visits her placement frequently ensuring her safety and comfort level. Watch her interview to discover what kinds of extra training are beneficial for quality of work and confidence. Kia also shares her perspective on what it’s like to be a woman working in the Skilled Trades. To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit https://www.jobtalksoyap.com

Amanda was inspired by her father - who was always happy at the end of his work day - to begin a career in the Skilled Trades as an Electrician. Apprenticeship training taught her that she was stronger both mentally and physically than she knew she could be. Amanda offers advice to young people seeking a career in the trades and suggests which resources and steps could be helpful in securing a position. To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit https://www.jobtalksoyap.com

Working in the Skilled Trades has empowered Victoria in many ways. She began her career in high school via a co-op placement that she secured with the help of her teachers. Watch Victoria’s interview to learn more about her experience as a women in a male-dominated field and about the skills she uses everyday to complete the tasks of a plumber. She also shares valuable hiring advice for anyone looking to start out in the trades. To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit https://www.jobtalksoyap.com/

As an Automotive Service Technician Apprentice you are always learning. The future of technology comes into play when working on a variety of vehicles. Alexis saw the opportunity to succeed in the skilled trades and took the steps to become an apprentice before graduating high school. Listen to what it takes to thrive as an automotive service technician apprentice and what you can expect from a co-op placement. Job Talks OYAP is a media initiative in partnership with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship program (OYAP), the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB). To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit https://www.jobtalksoyap.com/

Jesse works as an Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer Apprentice in the skilled trades. He finds many things about this career interesting. Completing the mechanical tasks inside and outside of the vehicle in order to provide a finished product for the customer is “where all the magic happens.” His experience in the OYAP program carved a pathway to rewarding work that he says has no down side.

Lyndsay was inspired by her dad’s work ethic and entrepreneurship to get started in the skilled trades. She wanted a career doing something unconventional, but still well-paying. Watch and learn what it means to work in a Red Seal trade and the benefits of doing so. Lyndsay’s advice for young people looking to find career satisfaction in the trades is to try a little bit of everything, find what you like, and go with it! Job Talks OYAP is a media initiative in partnership with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship program (OYAP), the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB). To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit https://www.jobtalksoyap.com/

Michael is a Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic Apprentice with some advice for students looking to get started in the skilled trades. He has been working with his employer and co-op teacher to find success in his chosen field. If you’re unsure about a career in the trades, Michael recommends trying one out because in the end, “you’ll never know if you like something if you don’t try.”

As a General Carpenter Apprentice, you are on the job site from start to finish so you get to see nothing turn into something great. Andrea's advice for anyone looking to get hands on with the skilled trades is to just go for it. The trades are in high demand and they are not going anywhere. Hear how involved and connected co-op teachers are with their students on and off site and the tools needed to be successful. Job Talks OYAP is a media initiative in partnership with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship program (OYAP), the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB). To discover more careers in skilled trades, visit https://www.jobtalksoyap.com/