Specialist High Skills Majors

What is SHSM?

Specialized High Skills Major Programs (SHSM) are sector specific programs for grade 11 and 12 students.  These programs allow students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).  Students that complete all of the SHSM components graduate with a Red Seal Diploma. SHSM programs are for all students, supporting those pursuing workplace, college, apprenticeship and university pathways.  

Why take SHSM?

SHSM programs benefit students by:

• Providing sector specific training making students more competitive for program acceptance and employment.

• Participating in various sector related experiences to enhance their understanding of the sector and the different career of opportunities within the sector.

• Helping students make more knowledgeable choices about their future through experience and networking

Components of SHSM Programs

• Required Courses including Cooperative Education

• Certifications

• Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Reach Ahead Experiences

• Sector Partner Contextualized Experiences 

  • Coding

  • Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship

  • Math

• Contextualize Learning Activities