SHSM

A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a Ministry of Education approved program that allows students to focus their learning on a sector specific skills, while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma (OSSD).

The SHSM program provides students with career-related learning that helps students focus on an economic sector. The SHSM program also help students transition from high school to:

  • apprenticeship training; or
  • college; or
  • university; or the
  • workforce.

Every SHSM must include the following components, which are outlined in detail in individual guides for each sector:

  • a bundle of 8 to 10 Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits related to a specific industry sector;
  • compulsory sector-recognized certification and training such as CPR, Standard First Aid and WHMIS;
  • experiential learning and career exploration activities;
  • 2 Cooperative Education credits;
  • reach ahead opportunities that focus on sector-related post-secondary school destinations; and
  • essential skills and work habits.

Pursuing a SHSM allows students to:

  • discover the relationship between education and an economic sector;
  • customize their secondary school education to suit specific interests and talents;
  • develop specialized knowledge and skills that are valued by the sector and postsecondary educational institutions;
  • earn credits that are recognized by the sector and post-secondary educational institutions;
  • gain sector-specific, industry-recognized and career-relevant certifications and training;
  • develop essential skills and work habits that are valued by the sector and recorded using the tools on the SHSM Record Card;
  • identify, explore and refine career goals and make informed decisions about their post-secondary pathway;
  • gain confidence in their ability to succeed;
  • network with post-secondary institutions, local industries and businesses; and
  • open doors for summer jobs and future employment opportunities.

Students who successfully complete a SHSM receive:

  • an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with an embossed red seal indicating "Specialist High Skills Major";
  • a SHSM Record Card documenting his/her achievement; and
  • formal recognition on his/her Ontario Student Transcript.

 

Please contact your Guidance Department for more information about the SHSM programs in your high schools.