Developing an interest in cars a few years ago not only gave Brandon Ewanchek a hobby, it also gave him direction for the future. After working at a muffler shop, he landed a job at a truck and coach repair shop, an experience that forever changed him.

OYAP truck and coach technician student Brandon Ewanchek (right), pictured here with supervisor Domenic Salvagna.

Ewanchek returned to Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute in Toronto last fall, determined to fulfill his dream of becoming a truck and coach technician.

He enrolled in co-operative education and his teacher arranged for him to do his placement at Roadway Alignment Ltd. at Eastern and Broadview Avenues, where he had worked over the summer.

"I'm not the kind of guy who can sit behind a desk pushing paper," says Ewanchek, 19. "When I'm working with my hands, I feel like I'm earning my wage."

His teacher spoke to him about the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), which gives students a chance to earn credits toward their high school diploma, while the hours they work on a job are applied to certification in a skilled trade.

Students may be able to earn a salary and receive financial assistance toward the purchase of required tools and clothing.

"My college education has basically already begun," says Ewanchek, who can write his licensing exam after working 5,400 hours.

He is encouraged to ask lots of questions at his work placement. "There are a lot of trucks on the road," says his supervisor Dominic Salvagna. "Trucks are getting bigger. We have to make sure they're safe when they're back on the road."

Salvagna is pleased to support the program. "It gives students an opportunity to feel out the trade and gives an employer a chance to check out a potential employee."

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. How to apply To apply to the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, contact your school's guidance department or your local apprenticeship office. Visit www.youthjobs.gov.on.ca or call the training hotline at 416-326-5656 or at 1-800-387-5656 for more information. -- Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

OYAP often grows out of a positive co-op experience and gives many students direction. "It's a motivator," says Linda Walker, acting head of co-operative education at Ewanchek's school. "They're not just taking credits without a purpose. The possibility of an apprenticeship helps fuel the fire because they take classes that are geared to their apprenticeship."

Interest in OYAP remains high. "It has brought parents and students together on the path to the future," says Walker, pointing out an open house on the apprenticeship program that was attended by many more than anticipated. "Parents are very interested in helping their children plan ahead."

Students at Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute are exploring a variety of fields and work options, including one who is developing algorithms with a University of Toronto professor.

This year's apprentices are training in the cosmetology, early childhood education, construction, automotive and hospitality fields.

Says Ewanchek: "I feel like I'm actually doing something with my life instead of going through the last year of high school wondering what to do with my future."

(Linda White is a freelance writer based in Brooklin, Ontario and can be reached at linda.white@rogers.com.)



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