Specialist High Skills Majors

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program is a specialized, Ministry-approved program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific sector or interest while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.  SHSM programs assist students in their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace.  

Students who complete all the requirements of the SHSM program will receive an embossed SHSM Red Seal on their diploma and receive an SHSM Record, which provides details regarding their achievement of the five required components. 

When a student is registered in one of the SHSM programs, they will participate in:

• A package of 8-10 bundled grade 11 and 12 credits, including four credits in the major area of study and a minimum of two Cooperative Education credits linked to the major credits;

• Sector Partnered Experience where students will work with an industry partner to solve a specific challenge or to gain experience using mathematics or coding applications in the sector;

• Sector-recognized certifications & safety awareness training (e.g., First Aid & CPR, WHMIS, Health & Safety, CAD/CAM, Service Excellence, Working at Heights);

• Experiential Learning opportunities (e.g., job shadowing, work experience, sector trade shows, job twinning, tours); and,

• Reach-ahead experiences at the student’s likely post-secondary destination.

Students in the university pathway are advised to consider completing their cooperative education credits through the Summer Cooperative Education program during the summers after Grade 10 and/or Grade 11 to allow room in their Grade 12 timetables for credits needed to meet university entrance requirements. 

For more information or for a SHSM program planning form, contact your Guidance Counsellor.