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This fall, DCDSB students in Grades 11 and 12 attended an information session at Durham College to learn more about the Level 1 Cook Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). While there, they had the opportunity to meet with faculty, tour the culinary labs and participate in hands-on activities, giving them a taste of what they can expect if they choose to enrol in this experiential program.
Running during the second semester of a student’s Grade 12 year, the OYAP Level 1 Cook program combines apprenticeship training with a cooperative education placement. The hands-on apprenticeship portion takes place at Durham College three days a week, with co-op placements in the service industry (i.e. a bakery or restaurant) occurring on the other two days, allowing participants to learn and practice the skills they will need for their careers.
Below is some feedback shared by students after the information session.
“At Durham College, Whitby, we had an amazing opportunity to meet people and see how many different pathways we could take in the future. The campus was very nice to explore and see where I may be soon.”
- Kevin
“During the information session at Durham College, the OYAP Level 1 Cook program was really well explained by the faculty which helped me understand more about this Grade 12 program. The chefs were speaking so passionately about culinary, that I could put myself in their shoes and really see myself exceeding AND succeeding in that program. I loved the facility, the layout of the cooking rooms made sense to me and I could envision myself in THAT room, learning there. I also loved how interactive and hands on the activities were and how supportive the chefs were today. Physically being there and learning in that environment really helped me see this is the path I want to go on.”
- Victorea
“Our trip to Durham College was filled with lots of fun, learning, and tasty food that we made. Anyone considering the OYAP Level 1 Cook Program should definitely take a look at what Durham College has to offer.”
- Naomi
Interested students need to apply to the OYAP Level 1 Cook Program in the spring of their Grade 11 year, and can learn more about this process from their Guidance teams.
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