The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program is a Ministry of Education-approved program that allows students to focus their learning in a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). 

At Markville Secondary School we offer our students opportunities to get a SHSM designation in the following five sectors:

·               Arts and Culture

·               Business

·               Environment 

·               Health and Wellness 

·               Information Communication Technology

Students interested in careers in any of the above sectors would greatly benefit from this program.

There are four components to completing a SHSM program. 

1.      Course work – All students will need to complete a series of 8-10 credits at the senior level (see below for details).

2.      Sector Recognized Certifications – All students need to complete a minimum of six certifications, some of which are mandatory and others are elective.

3.      Participation in experiential learning activities within the sector.

4.       “Reach Ahead” experiences to allow students to explore post high school opportunities.

Students who successfully complete this program will receive a SHSM designation, in addition to their OSSD.  This SHSM specialist certification will be recognized by employers, colleges and universities and may increase career opportunities, as it can be identified on resumes and in Post-Secondary supplementary applications. 

How does it work?  

Students apply to be in the SHSM program while in grade 10 with the program starting in their grade 11 year.  It is a two-year commitment in Gr 11 & 12 that combines:

·                   4 major compulsory credits

·                   2 or 3 complementary elective courses

·                   A 2 credit cooperative education placement

·                   Earning at least six sector-specific certifications

·                   Participation in “Reach Ahead”

·                   Experiential learning opportunities

To identify courses linked to each sector, please click on the sector-specific buttons at the top of this page.   Policy documents for each of the five SHSM programs offered at Markville Secondary School can be found on the Ministry of Ontario Website.

• Before you apply, make sure you know which sector designation you would like to apply for (i.e. Environment, Business, ICT, Arts & Culture or Health & Wellness)

• Specific information for each SHSM sector, including all of the requirements, can be found on the Main Page of myBlueprint - scroll to the very bottom in RESOURCES - and also on the MSS website.
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  STEP 1 —  Apply by completing this Google Form.
  
  STEP 2— Once registered, you will need to select Co-op in either your Grade 11 or Grade 12 (depending on when you register) course selections on myBlueprint. Review the required courses on the pathway planner chart for your sector to ensure that you sign up for the required courses during course selection. These requirements can also be accessed by clicking on the sector buttons at the top of this page.
  
  STEP 3— Monitor your YRDSB GAPPS email regularly for SHSM-related communication.
  
  Please see someone in Guidance or in the Co-op office (Library Back Office) for more information.