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Education/training

OYAP student takes centre stage

It's true that the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a strong partner in several specialized high school co-op courses.

AUNIE EDWARDS

[ 2002-05-08 ]

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But if you think that an affiliation with a skilled trade is the only way to register with OYAP -- think again.

Meet Ariel Blais, a senior at Runnymede Collegiate Institute, a drama teacher's assistant trainee at Runnymede Public School, and a registered member of OYAP.

Her present status was achieved not as a skilled trade apprentice in a specialized course, but as a high school co-op student who's eager to do well and who wants to keep the doors of opportunity wide open.

"Ariel's arrangement with OYAP means that her co-op hours can be applied to apprenticeship hours beyond high school," says Mary Faziluddin, co-op educator at Runnymede Collegiate and Blais' homeschool teacher.

Through her training as a drama teacher's assistant at Runnymede P.S., Blais often works closely with special needs children. This is on-the-job training that could readily be applied to a child youth worker apprenticeship -- if Blais pursues this course at the college level, she would do so with full funding and a healthy head start.

"We are all hoping that Ariel chooses a future working with special needs kids," says Lois Eisen, drama teacher at Runnymede P.S. and Blais' placement supervisor. "She has a positive energy and a compassion that allows her to connect with these children."

For her part, Blais is enjoying her work experience. "I really love it here -- and I know that I'd love to work with kids in some capacity."

Along with learning about her affinity with children, Blais is also learning about teaching. Reflecting on the hardship and the beauty of the profession, she betrays a wisdom beyond her years.

"On the one hand, teaching kids from Grades 5 to 8, like Ms. Eisen does, is a huge challenge," Blais says.

"At these ages, most of the kids don't actually choose their subjects and so you have a few that really aren't interested. But the greatest thing is to inspire a child who didn't know the spark was there."

Like all co-operative education, the practical experience is complemented with in-class theory. Students and their homeschool teachers meet regularly. "We talk about unions and discuss current issues and trends in the workplace -- we want to keep our programs closely linked to the world of work," Faziluddin says.

"It's especially good to see Ariel excel here -- she was a student at Runnymede P.S. herself, so she's come full circle," Eisen says. "And as a witness to the whole process -- of drama and of teaching -- she's armed with more information to make better decisions. I know she's using her knowledge to explore all the options."

Surrounded by the collaborative efforts of committed educators from Runnymede Collegiate Institute, Runnymede Public School and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Blais seems destined to choose the right path.

Education requirements

Students must complete a minimum of three in-school credits per year.

Schools are required to monitor the program offered in the workplace to ensure it meets secondary school credit requirements.

To receive their high school diploma, students must still complete all compulsory credits.

Apprenticeship requirements

Students must be placed with a qualified employer.

Students must follow an on-the-job training program based on the specific standards for the trade. They may also receive related theoretical instruction.