Orientation to Trades and Apprenticeships Program (OTAP)

Your Career in the Trades begings with OTAP!

 

What is OTAP?  Orientation to Trade and Apprenticeship Programs (OTAP) is an intensive 10-week job training program designed to prepare students for employment in the Trades or acceptance in Apprenticeship programs where they can "earn while they learn."  The program provides 30 hours of trades instruction per week (300 hours of total instruction). 

The OTAP program is administered at Columbus State Community College in the OTAP building located at 192 N. Grant Street and the Center for Workforce Development Building at 315 Cleveland Avenue.  The OTAP program utilizes dedicated classrooms and state-of-the-art labs.

Based on attendance, punctuality, academic achievement, and performance, participants earn weekly incentives such as tools, work boots and other items needed for employment in the trades. 

The OTAP program instructors have spent years in the trades refining their chosen professions.

OTAP Instructors 

Who can attend OTAP?  Men and women 18 years or older who enjoy a challenge and are interested in a career in the trades.  A high school diploma is preferred but not required for enrollment.  Please note that a successful job placement requires a GED or high school diploma. Participants must be able to obtain a valid driver's license within 3 months and pass a pre-screen drug test.

What will an OTAP participant learn?

Also, participants can earn the OSHA ten-hour certification and the National Center for Construction Education and Research  (NCCER) certification.

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What opportunities are available after OTAP training?

  • Electrician Apprentice
  • Plumber Apprentice
  • Weatherization Technician
  • Carpenter
  • Brick Mason
  • Iron Worker
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Solar Installer
  • Welder
  • General Construction Worker
  • and many more!

Some careers will require further training/licensing beyond OTAP.