Dr. Jon Callegher, Executive Director of Job Talks, is an award-winning Skilled Trades researcher, marketing expert, and Construction & Apprenticeship Keynote Speaker.

Beginning at 6pm, Jon Callegher will speak about skilled trades and apprenticeship pathways, highlighting how applied, hands-on learning, early work experience (OYAP), structured mentorship and earning while learning help students achieve stability and satisfaction in an AI driven economy. Jon will share current data on what families now define as a “good job”, how comfortable they are with different post-secondary pathways, and why many believe it is harder than ever for young people to choose a career. This session also explores which type of roles are more valuable in automation, and which pathways may offer greater long-term resilience.

Following the presentation, families will gather in the cafeteria for light refreshments, hands-on activities and opportunities to chat with union, college and training centre representatives. OYAP teachers of Accelerated and Specialized OYAP programs, Co-op teachers, and teachers of the Step to Construction, Step to Transportation, and Skilled Trades SHSM programs will be available to discuss options and showcase recent student experiences.

Come learn about the exciting grade 11 and 12 programs that can fast-track your child into a rewarding career in a skilled trade.

Watch the recent webinar at OYAP Webinar

Admission Requirements To be eligible for OYAP, a student must:

• be at least 16 years old and in either Grade 11 or Grade 12
• have successfully completed at least 16 credits
• be registered as a full-time student
• be working toward the completion of all OSSD requirements
• be interested in a specific skilled profession as a future career pathway

Students registered with another school board must apply via email.  Click on the application below and ensure all documentation is attached when applying.

view / download brochure and application for details

• OYAP application for non-TDSB students
• OYAP auto
• OYAP carpentry
• OYAP cook
• OYAP electrical
• OYAP plumbing
• OYAP cosmetology

For more information, visit the TDSB OYAP Site or contact us:

Jennifer.Alves@tdsb.on.ca    (416) 393-0060 

Carpentry OYAP

Central Technical School is well placed to provide students who wish to acquire building skills and construction know-how. We have 3 fully equipped woodworking shops along with a construction room where students develop experience in the safe use of hand tools and woodworking machinery, building projects to give them the shop and work site skills that employers are looking for. Construction of commercial and residential buildings continues to boom in and around the area of Toronto and the CTS Building Construction department, through its many connections with industry, has co-op placements in a variety of woodworking-related industries: home renovations and house construction, office and kitchen unit construction, cabinet-making, and custom wall assemblies. Our goal in building construction is to provide each student with a variety of skills and the knowledge necessary for gaining a foothold in a challenging and well-paid job.
Carpentry Brochure.pdf

Cook OYAP

Central Technical School's Hospitality program gives students the opportunity to experience the daily routine of a professional kitchen. Students learn through hands-on training in food preparation and service, menu planning, and product management. The program prepares graduates for a career as cook apprentices and helps them to excel at post-secondary education. Graduates from culinary programs enter a truly dynamic and global industry with limitless possibilities for employment. The goal of our program is to prepare our students to meet the diverse requirements of the food service industry.
Food Brochure.pdf

Electrical OYAP

Central Technical School has a proud tradition of providing students with an excellent academic education combined with solid technological skills. This tradition prepares the student for further formal education and for their future role as workers. For over twenty years the electrical department has provided students who choose to pursue or to simply explore a career in the electrical industry, with a cooperative education experience. Many students return to the school and comment on how the electrical program has prepared them for a career as electrical apprentices or helped them to excel in post-secondary programmes. The rapid changes taking place in the electrical industry are reflected in the continuous enhancement and development of the programme. The goal of the electrical programme is to meet the needs of students and industry.
Electrical Brochure.pdf

Plumbing OYAP

The plumbing programme was launched at Central Technical School in the mid-1960s in response to the regulation of the plumbing trade, which occurred at that time. The goal was to provide young people in Toronto with specialized knowledge that would allow them to move directly from secondary school into a career in the plumbing industry. A large number, approximately 300 graduates, continued in the plumbing trade and became journey persons. Many became owners of plumbing or mechanical businesses and some became plumbing educators. The Central Technical School programme has a reputation in the mechanical industry for providing young people with specialized training in the field. The plumbing programme has a long, successful history of preparing and introducing young Torontonians to a plumbing career and connecting them to employment opportunities.
Plumbing Brochure.pdf

Cosmetology OYAP

The goal of this program is to provide young people in Toronto interested in hair styling with specialized knowledge and skills that would allow them to move directly from secondary school into a career in the Cosmetology industry. The rapid changes taking place in the cosmetology industry are reflected in the continuous enhancement and development of the program. Our Cosmetology program has a long history of partnerships within the Toronto hairstyling community and has provided students with a cooperative education experience to explore a career in the hairstyling and makeup industry. Our graduates are placed in some of the most prestigious salons in the city.
Cosmo Brochure.pdf