After taking a number of shop classes in high school, Matthew Smith was eager to further develop his carpentry skills through a co-op placement.

Pleased with what he learned about the career and the opportunities it presented, he was thrilled to discover an apprenticeship program that would provide a strong foundation for his future.

OYAP apprentice Matthew Smith, left, with supervisor Mike Davis at Brampton-based Peri Formwork Systems.

The Silverthorn Collegiate Institute student found out about the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) during his placement and quickly signed on. He began accumulating hours that can be put towards journeyperson certification in his chosen trade -- all while earning credits towards his high school diploma, which he completed in June.

OYAP also gives students a chance to earn a salary and receive financial assistance towards the purchase of tools and clothing required for their trade.

"Matthew was quite convinced that this was his calling," says Sherrie Yoshida, associate head of co-operative education at Smith's school. "He works really well with his hands. He's finished high school, registered with OYAP and was getting paid. It was like triple dipping."

The experience reinforced Smith's interest in becoming a carpenter. "I like working outside and with my hands. I enjoyed my shop classes and decided to do co-op to learn more," says the 17-year-old. More and more students are exploring their career options at an earlier age, Yoshida reports. "Work experiences are invaluable, even if they come out of it thinking, 'I can't do this for the rest of my life. I better find something else.' "

Matthew Smith

Both parents and students are recognizing the opportunities in the skilled trades.

"The interest in the trades is starting to evolve," says Yoshida, who is pleased to see parents in support of OYAP. "When they find out how seamless OYAP is, they're usually all for it."

Smith began his apprenticeship with Brampton-based Peri Formwork Systems. The job has allowed him to work throughout Toronto, including setting up seats for the Molson Indy, on Centre Island for a Tiger Woods promotional event, setting up scaffolding under a bridge to be painted and numerous other tasks.

"In shop classes, we were making little projects out of wood," Smith says. "Now I'm working with steel and metal. I'd like to try other things too."

His enthusiasm and willingness to learn have impressed his supervisor, who sought apprentices through Local 27. "We're looking for eager workers, ones who can follow directions," says foreman Mike Davis. "The job involves a lot of heights and requires some climbing.

"Right now, we're teaching Matthew how to erect materials. We start them out from ground level, check them for their balance and take them up level by level," Davis says. "Matthew's starting to spread his wings. The guys know that if they're not part of the team, it's not going to work."

Smith plans to take courses through the union. He needs to complete 7,200 work hours and must successfully complete intermediate and advanced testing to complete his certificate of qualification, which he expects to take four to five years.

"It feels good," Smith says. "I look forward to seeing how things develop."

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



Next Story

Big brother is watching you

Jumping on the 'brand' wagon

UP & RUNNING- Build a better business than your boss

HEALTH CONNECTION- U of T hosts ALS chair

YOUTH FORCE- No Grade 12 diploma not an obstacle

Think work is boring?

THE NATIONAL JOB FAIR- A world of opportunities

THE NATIONAL JOB FAIR- A world of knowledge awaits job seekers

THE NATIONAL JOB FAIR- Put your best foot forward

THE NATIONAL JOB FAIR- Maximize your prospects

2005 Archives -- 2004 Archives

2003 Archives -- 2002 Archives