Manufacturing: Engineering, Innovation, and Design

What is the TAB Manufacturing SHSM?

The TAB Manufacturing SHSM is a Specialist High Skills Major program that allows students to focus on a specific sector of interest in high school. Our SHSM is rooted in the Manufacturing sector, with a focus on Engineering, Innovation, and Design.

Why Manufacturing?

Manufacturing is the second largest sector by GDP in Ontario, and in Canada. As a sector, Manufacturing accounted for over $87.4 billion to the Ontario economy in 2022. This sector represents phenomenal career opportunities for students of every pathway (Apprenticeship, College, University, and Workplace)

What courses will I take?

The courses a student takes in our Manufacturing SHSM can vary greatly based on their interests. For example, we have students who love hands on work focusing on our technological education courses (eg. Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Technological Design) We also have students who focus on the theoretical side of things (eg. Physics, Chemistry). The choice is really up to them!

9 credits are tied to the SHSM program, and the break down is as follows:

4 x Major Credits

1 x  Grade 11 Math*

1 x Grade 12 English*

1 x  Science/Business **

2 X Co-Op

*Math and English are also OSSD requirements, so all students take them.

**Science/Business credit can be replaced with an extra major credit.

To see the current list of eligible Major Credits, check out the current SHSM course map.

What other benefits are there to SHSM?

Students will gain a number of certifications, including CPR, First Aid, AED Training, and WHMIS, in addition to the opportunity to numerous other sector specific certifications. Students will graduate with a SHSM recognition on their diploma, and are eligible for various post-secondary scholarships depending on the institution they plan to attend.

SHSM students are able to experience their education in a much more cross curricular way, implementing their learning across multiple courses, in ways other students are not always able to.

How much does the program cost?

There is zero cost to students. 

How do I apply?

Students wishing to join the SHSM should email (or speak to!) Joe Fowler, the Manufacturing SHSM Lead Teacher. Students should also indicate their interest in the Regional Programs section of MyBlueprint. A copy of the application package can be found here.

The SHSM is a specialized, ministry-approved program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Pursuing a SHSM enables students to:

• customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents

• develop specialized knowledge and skills that are valued by the sector and postsecondary education institutions

• earn credits that are recognized by the sector and postsecondary education institutions

• gain sector-specific and career-relevant certification and training

• engage in sector-partnered experiences that are relevant to the sector

• identify, explore, and refine their career goals and make informed decisions about their postsecondary destination

• remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways should their goals and plans change

In addition to taking elective courses that focus in an area the student is interested in, they will also:

• earn industry certifications like first aid and CPR qualifications

• gain important skills on the job through cooperative education placements

Specialist High Skills Major programs are for all students, regardless of pathway. Each SHSM is designed to incorporate courses to meet the requirements of the SHSM for students planning on going to University, College, or entering the workforce directly from high school.

Students will have the opportunity to join a SHSM prior to the completion of their grade 10 year, and will complete SHSM requirements in grade 11 and 12.