On June 1, 2023, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) team at the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) hosted the annual OYAP Graduate Celebration Dinner at Montecassino Place.
The dinner celebrates the accomplishments of general OYAP and accelerated OYAP graduating students. The evening included a TCDSB Alumni Tradesperson Speakers Panel, with 4 young trades people speaking to upcoming graduating students about their employment and apprenticeship journeys over the last 2-5 years. These speakers included Catherine McHale (Hairstylist), Jonathan De Sousa (Plumber), Isabella Ube (Electrician), and Shaynne Harper (Construction Craft Worker).
Students also had the opportunity to learn the keys to success from Chaminade College School alumnus, Talon Leutcher, who is now a practicing licensed electrician and custom car enthusiast.
The evening also included an award ceremony which annually honors 2-3 OYAP training and/or placement partners and 2-3 teachers that stand out for their efforts in their support of student pursuing the apprenticeship pathway. This year, Local 27-the Carpenter's Union, Local 183-LiUNA and Cathey S from Picaso Salon were honored, as well as Matthiew Maciag from Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School and Bayette Smith from Neil McNeil High School.
We thank Associate Director Adrian Della Mora, all the teaching staff, program partners and students for joining the celebration of the program during this special night.
Learn more about OYAP.