DCDSB students have been participating in OYAP and OYAP Level 1 Programs. Learn more about their experiences below.
Alex is a Grade 12 OYAP student at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School. He is enrolled in Cooperative Education with a placement at the Facility Services Department within the Durham Catholic District School Board. Watch Alex's video on our YouTube page.
I was so thrilled last June when I heard of my acceptance into the Level 1 OYAP Hair program at Durham Hairstylist Academy. I am currently enrolled this semester, and from only attending the program since February, I can most definitely say this was the best decision for me. Not only do you learn about the basics of hair, like health and safety, you get hands on experience, on both straight and curly hair mannequins. Sometimes even working on your classmates hair as well. This isn’t a typical classroom setting, it’s “divided” into two sections. First section is the working/learning section, we have big group tables, that multiple students can sit at. The rest of the classroom is a salon like setting, we have a salon chair and mirror at each work station. There’s a colour room, hair wash station, etc. We get our own mannequins, textbook, basic hair tools, and much more. If you are questioning choosing hair for your post-secondary pathway, this program is a great opportunity! Or even when deciding what to take next year for your electives, pick the 4-credit co-op course and apply for the OYAP hair program. Even if you’re a student who would rather be working and learning hands on than sit at a desk for hours, apply for the program. The teachers at the academy are so kind and genuine, you can tell their end goal is to make all the attending students, amazing stylists just like themselves.