A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a Ministry of Education-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. Students enrolled in a SHSM experience a range of customized, career-focused learning opportunities while working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Programs are also designed to assist students in their transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace.

ELIGIBILITY

SHSM is a two-year program available to all students in Grades 11 and 12. Students in Grade 10 should begin learning about and contemplating a SHSM as they make their course selections for the next school year.

SHSM Students

SHSM Students are encouraged to seek a placement in their SHSM Sector
SHSM Students should begin planning for their Co-op Placement in the Grade 10 Career Studies course.
Resumes and Cover Letters are encouraged to be prepared in advanced.
Click to explore some SHSM Sector Placement options

ACADEMY OF SPORT

The Academy of Sport SHSM will allow students to explore the many aspects of the “business and performance” of sport and is open to students in grades 11 and 12 who are interested in pursuing a bundle of courses specifically tailored to Sports Performance and Management as well as earning industry accreditation in related areas. Moreover, students will be able to make important connections to both community and post-secondary destinations. Students in this program will be allowed to focus their learning on a specific area of sports while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school.

AVIATION & AEROSPACE

The SHSM Aviation & Aerospace program allows students to customize their secondary school experience to prepare for a future in the aviation & aerospace sector. The SHSM Aviation & Aerospace program will be of interest to students who like to work with their hands, enjoy complex and challenging problem-solving situations, and like to design and build relevant projects.

CONSTRUCTION

The SHSM Construction Program allows students to customize their secondary school experience to prepare for a future in the construction sector. This program will benefit students who like to work with their hands, enjoy complex and challenging problem-solving situations, and design and build relevant projects.

DIGITAL MEDIA

The SHSM Digital Media (Information and Communications Technology) Program allows students to focus on various aspects of digital media, including graphic design, TV production, internet live streaming, photography, radio broadcasting, digital sound recording, and animation. Students will develop their digital fluency across multi–media platforms, providing them with a skill set that many industries require of the 21st-century workforce. Students will have an opportunity to use state-of-the-art digital equipment and work with industry professionals.

MORE INFORMATION

Curious how a SHSM program will fit into your schedule? Access your myBlueprint account to build sample schedules with actual courses available at your secondary school. Courses you have already completed will automatically be displayed in the schedules, making this a great way to map out your unique specialist plan!

For more information or to enroll in a SHSM, please contact your school SHSM Teacher or Guidance Counsellor.