Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Information and Communications Technology
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is the sector that processes information using electronic systems. The ICT sector continues to transform our economy and everyday life. Core industries in this sector include:
Communications systems (e.g., telecommunications, cybersecurity, cable/broadband, broadcasting, and other program distribution system)
Computer systems (e.g., computer engineering, technical support, electronics, robotics, network engineering, information system analyst)
Software and digital media (e.g., software development, computer and video games, simulations, computer animation, data management, web design, web portals, publishing)
COOL FACTS AND INFO ABOUT THE ICT SHSM
According to ISED Canada, ICT industries are the largest performers of R&D in the Canadian private sector. Employment growth in the ICT sector has been outpacing the overall economy for many years, between 2013 and 2019 average annual growth for ICT was 3.1%, but just 0.9% for the overall economy. In 2019, more than 666,500 were working in the ICT sector, accounting for 3.6% of the Canada’s total employment.
Students enrolled in the SHSM-Information and Communications Technology will be involved in today’s rapid and exciting changes in technology and will help pave the way to new and emerging media and technologies in the years to come.
The SHSM–Information and Communications Technology enables students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace. Depending on local circumstances, the SHSM–Information and Communications Technology may be designed to have a particular focus – for example, on communication systems, computer systems, or software and digital media.
ICT SHSM ENABLES STUDENTS TO...
customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents while meeting the requirements for the OSSD;
select a bundle of 9 required credits focused on sector-specific knowledge and skills that are:
valued by the information and communications technology sector and post secondary educational institutions;
designed to help prepare students for a post secondary opportunity of their choice in this economic sector;
designed with the flexibility to allow students to shift between pathways (e.g., switch from a pathway leading to college to an apprenticeship pathway) or to discontinue the SHSM program should their career plans change in Grade 11 or 12;
provide evidence of achievement of the required components of the SHSM (e.g., sector recognized certifications) for prospective employers and post secondary educational institutions; explore, identify, and refine career goals to make informed decisions about their post secondary options;
take part in “reach ahead” experiences that will help them gain confidence in their ability to be successful, refine skills and work habits, and make an informed choice about future careers and next steps;
identify and develop Essential Skills and work habits that are required in the sector, using tools connected with the Ontario Skills Passport;
access resources, equipment, and expertise that may not be available in their secondary school.
ICT SHSM Program Requirements
There are several requirements students must complete to earn the ICT SHSM OSSD:
a) SHSM-ICT-Course Options
(Open Dropdown Menu)
Students must take a core set of Ministry of Education approved courses that have been created and bundled to give experiences and skills an a particular sector. These courses are listed on the individual SHSM pages.
b) Six ICT Recognized Industry Certifications
3 Mandatory Certifications: Standard First Aid, WHMIS, CPR Level C
3 Elective Certifications:
Some Options include Cisco Networking Routing and Switching: Introduction to Networks, Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials, and Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation and IT Essentials.
Others are available online in websites like CiscoSkillsForAll. Please look at the SHSM classroom or ask Ms.Yung for info
(The highlighted certifications are done through our Cisco Networking Academy by taking TEJ - Computer Engineering & TEN - Computer Networking courses)
c) One Reach-Ahead experience that may include:
Interviewing an employee or university/college student in the ICT field
Attending a university/college class or conference in the ICT field
d) One Experiential Learning & Career Exploration:
Including career exploration, work experience or job shadowing.
e) One Sector Partner Contextualized Experience (SPCE):
It could be coding, Mathematical Learning Activities or Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship (ICE) Activities
SHSM-ICT: Benefits
Upon successful completion of the SHSM: ICT, students will earn a Specialized Ontario Secondary School Diploma, an enhanced transcript, at least four Cisco Networking recognized certifications, a great item for your resume, potential employer contacts and specialized knowledge and experience in your field of interest.