What is the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)?

The Specialist High Skills Major allows Grade 11 and Grade 12 students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Feel free to check the SHSM Bulletin Board outside of the guidance office for further details. You can also discuss the benefits of SHSM with Mr. Butler, the head of Cooperative Education, or your guidance counselor.

You only need to take co-op in either Grade 11 or Grade 12, but you will receive the benefits of SHSM for both grades as it is a 2-year program. 

Why consider SHSM?

The Specialist High Skills Major enables students to:

• Focus on an education pathway that suits their personal interests, skills, and learning needs

• Complete sector-recognized certifications, training, and experiences in order to build a personal resume and portfolio

• Explore and refine career goals appropriate for all pathways

• Participate in learning within unique settings alongside their peers

• Prepare for post-secondary opportunities and earn experience applicable to supplemental applications

• Earn the SHSM Red Seal on their OSSD and potentially become eligible for a post-secondary SHSM scholarship

Apply to SHSM: bit.ly/YRDSBSHSMapp