Congratulations to the 2026 Edvance OYAP Winners

CLAC is committed to supporting the growth of Ontario’s construction sector by inspiring youth to discover and gain hands-on experience in the skilled trades. One of the primary entry points for high school students into the construction trades is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).

Each year, CLAC proudly presents $1,000 awards to exemplary students enrolled in apprenticeships who are working toward becoming certified journeypersons. Up to five students are selected for these awards, which are available to those who have completed, or are in the process of completing, a cooperative education placement in a skilled trade through Edvance. In addition to the bursary cheque, each student was gifted a custom DeWalt backpack.

Here are the five winners of the CLAC Edvance Skilled Trades Bursary for 2026:

Isaac Lodder, Electrician, Emmanuel Christian High School

“Isaac has always shown a natural love for his trade. From the beginning of the program, he has approached each day with purpose, often knowing what needs to be done and taking initiative to get started. This kind of ownership and responsibility is not something we see in every student, and it speaks to both his work ethic and his maturity.” — Crystal Vander Veen, Co-operative Education Teacher/OYAP Coordinator

Timothy Kamphuis, Horticulture Technician, Emmanuel Christian High School

“Tim has an excellent attitude toward his work and consistently approaches learning with focus and determination. He takes his future seriously and is already thinking carefully about how he can grow within his trade.” — Crystal Vander Veen, Co-operative Education Teacher/OYAP Coordinator

Jared Rauwerda, General Carpenter, Hamilton District Christian High School

“Jared completed a co-op with us this past school year and did a great job. He showed up on time every day and completed every task he was asked to do. He was able to work independently and confidently complete any task he was assigned to do.”— Chris DeWeerd, Co-owner of DeWeerd Construction

Maksym (Max) Krekot, Cabinetmaker, Hamilton District Christian High School

“(Max) will be continuing with Cayuga Displays in the cabinetmaking apprenticeship pathway. Max and his parents were very grateful for the support of CLAC in supporting him in his continuing progress towards an apprenticeship with this company.” — Richard Van Egmond, Co-operative Education Teacher/OYAP Coordinator

Mark Ruiter, Industrial Mechanic Millwright, Rehoboth Chrisitan School

“Throughout his co-op placement, Mark consistently demonstrated a positive attitude and a strong willingness to learn. On his employer evaluation, he received high ratings in punctuality, reliability, interpersonal skills, and job knowledge.” — Alyssa Kamerik, Co-operative Education Coordinator

CLAC is excited to continue supporting the next generation of skilled trade workers in Ontario through the OYAP for Independent Schools Program. This program was previously supported with Skills Development Funding with the Province of Ontario, but CLAC remains committed to going forward with this program to assist students from Edvance-affiliated schools with skilled trades education and career exploration.

To learn more, please visit www.clac.ca/oyap.

Isaac Lodder and Timothy Kamphuis

Jared Rauwerda with Chris DeWeerd

Maksym Krekot with Richard Van Egmond

Mark Ruiter with Alyssa Kamerik

Congratulations to the 2026 Edvance OYAP Winners

You might be interested in