SHSM
Specialist High Skills Major
Specialist High Skills Major
EXCITING NEWS!
SJMP IS NOW OFFEREING TWO SHSM PROGRAMS.
STUDENTS CAN ENTER THE PROGRAM IN GRADE 11.
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized program that allows students to gain credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and focus their learning on a specific economic sector at the same time. The SHSM is a Ministry of Education approved program.
Students receive the SHSM seal on their diploma when they:
complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in the student's selected field
earn industry certifications like first aid and CPR qualifications
gain important skills on the job through cooperative education placements
SHSMs are available in the following 19 sectors, many of which lead to well-paying skilled trades careers.
At the TCDSB, there are over 2,300 students enrolled in 76 SHSM programs across 28 high schools. Students may register for a program offered by their home school.
Each SHSM program includes the following components:
Eight to ten Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits consisting of:
Four major credits.
Two to four other required credits.
A minimum of two required cooperative education credits.
All SHSM programs require 6-8 sector-recognized certifications or training courses. They include specified numbers of:
Compulsory certifications or training courses (e.g.: Standard First Aid, CPR level C).
Elective certifications and/or training courses, which are selected from a list provided by the Ministry of Education for each sector.
Experiential learning and career exploration activities allow students to explore, observe, participate in and reflect on a variety of sector-specific experiences and careers.
These activities enable students enrolled in the SHSM program to learn about the opportunities available to them in careers that interest them (i.e.: Skills Canada competition, job shadowing and career fair/panel conference).
These are learning experiences that are connected with the student’s post-secondary plan (i.e.: attending a conference/workshop, touring a post-secondary institution, completing a Dual Credit course, etc.).
SPE activities are experiential activities co-delivered with a sector partner. They provide students with the opportunity to gain insight into the relationship between their sector program and how the following are used within the sector:
Mathematical Literacy.
Contextualized Coding.
ICE (Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship).
Upon graduation, students who complete an SHSM program will receive:
An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with an embossed SHSM seal of distinction.
A SHSM Record Card documenting the student's achievement placed in the student's Ontario Student Record.
Students in SHSM programs have the opportunity to do the followings:
Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents through a specialized package of credits.
Develop sector-recognized knowledge and skills while earning their OSSD.
Explore, identify, and refine career goals - cooperative education credits allow students to practice and refine skill development, network with professionals working in the sector and gain sector-specific employment experience.
Make informed decisions regarding post-secondary destinations.
Access resources, equipment, and expertise that may not be available in their home secondary school.
Receive a special SHSM red seal designation on their diploma.
Network with potential employers.