SHSM

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized program that enables Grade 11 and 12 students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while fulfilling the requirements for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). This program offers students valuable opportunities to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge, preparing them for various post-secondary pathways, including apprenticeship training, college, university, or direct entry into the workforce.

Key Components of the SHSM Program

Bundled Credits: Students complete a bundle of 8-10 courses tailored to their chosen sector. This includes major credits related to the sector, supporting credits such as mathematics and English, and cooperative education credits that provide hands-on experience.

Certifications and Training: Participants earn industry-recognized certifications and training, such as First Aid and CPR, enhancing their employability and sector-specific expertise.

Experiential Learning: The program incorporates experiential learning through activities like job shadowing, sector-partnered experiences, and cooperative education placements, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

Reach-Ahead Experiences: Students engage in activities connected to their intended post-secondary destinations, such as visiting colleges or universities, attending industry conferences, or participating in sector-related workshops.

Sector-Partnered Experiences (SPEs): These experiences focus on developing innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship skills, often involving coding or mathematical literacy relevant to the sector.

Upon successful completion of all SHSM requirements, students receive

Upon successful completion of all SHSM requirements, students receive:

  • An OSSD with a red SHSM seal.
  • A detailed record outlining their completed SHSM components, including sector-specific courses, certifications, and experiential learning.

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) offers SHSM programs across various sectors, providing students with opportunities to align their education with their career interests. Participating in an SHSM program not only equips students with specialized skills and certifications but also enhances their readiness for post-secondary education and careers in their chosen fields.


Find your schools SHSM Program
Banting MHS
Agriculture
Health & Wellness
Transportation
Barrie North CI
Arts & Culture
Business
Construction
Transportation
Bear Creek SS
Arts & Culture
Health & Wellness
Sports
Transportation
Bradford DHS
Construction
Info. Comm. & Technologies
Transportation
Collingwood CI
Arts & Culture
Construction
Health & Wellness
Hospitality & Tourism
Transportation
Eastview SS
Arts & Culture
Business
Health & Wellness
Construction
Elmvale DHS
Environment
Georgian Bay District SS
Arts & Culture
Health & Wellness
Hospitality & Tourism
Info. Comm. & Technologies
Sports
Innisdale SS
Construction
Environment
Hospitality & Tourism
Manufacturing
Transportation
Maple Ridge SS
Health & Wellness
Nantyr Shores SS
Construction
Environment
Health & Wellness
Hospitality & Tourism
Nottawasaga Pines SS
Health & Wellness
Hospitality & Tourism
Orillia SS
Arts & Culture
Construction
Health & Wellness
Stayner CI
Arts & Culture
Construction
Environment
Twin Lakes SS
Arts & Culture
Construction
Health & Wellness
Transportation

For information on the Specialist High Skills Major Program at your school please contact your Guidance Department.