SHSM
What is the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)?
The SHSM program allows students to customize their high school experience to suit their interests and talents, and prepares them for a successful post secondary transition to apprenticeship training, college, university, or employment, while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Northern currently offers three SHSM programs: Health and Wellness, Manufacturing and Arts and Culture.
Why Choose SHSM?
As you complete your high school credits you might actually already be on track towards one of the SHSMs offered at Northern. The SHSM program is a unique experience that allows you to gain real work experience in a field that you may wish to pursue as a career. There are certified workshops like CPR and First Aid that are a requirement for SHSM students and also a huge bonus to add to your resume. The SHSM programs allow you to gain certificates and work with professionals in a field that you may never thought possible. Once you complete the program, you are given a red seal on your OSSD. Another great thing to add to your resume!
Health and Wellness
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in Health and Wellness gives students an opportunity to specialize, gain qualifications, and plan a career pathway in various areas of the Health and Wellness sector while still in high school.
The demand for professionals in the Health and Wellness sector in Ontario and across Canada is increasing as the age of our population increases. This sector has a wide variety of career opportunities and employs close to 2 million people across Canada. Kinesiologist, child care worker, fitness instructor, doctor, nurse, veterinary technician, hospital porter and medical technician are just some of the numerous occupations that the SHSM Health and Wellness program prepares students to pursue.
SHSM Poster Health.pdfManufacturing
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in Manufacturing gives students an opportunity to specialize, gain qualifications, and plan a career pathway in various areas of the Manufacturing sector while still in high school.
The Manufacturing sector, with its production of consumer and industrial goods, accounts for the greatest number of jobs in Ontario. From programming, operation, service, and repair to more specific areas such as robotics and advanced manufacturing, there are many opportunities for on the job experiences.
SHSM Poster DEM.pdfArts and Culture
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in Arts and Culture gives students an opportunity to specialize, gain qualifications, and plan a career pathway in various areas of the Arts and Culture sector while still in high school.
The Arts and Culture sector offers students opportunities to get inspired and use their unique skills and abilities in careers in visual arts, drama and performance, technical theatre, dance, media and many other creative areas. Arts education challenges people to think critically and solve problems creatively – skills that are in high demand in all walks of life.
SHSM Poster Art 2021.pdfHow do I sign up?
If you are interested in the SHSM program you can book an appointment with Ms. Vibert in Student Success. You also have the option of looking at the SHSM programs through myBlueprint. Simply log-in to your myBlueprint account and go to your education planner - explore programs - choose a pathway and select "indicate interest". Once this is selected Ms. Vibert will contact you to discuss how you can achieve your SHSM red seal!
When you are ready to enroll you will need parent permission. Have your parent/guardian sign the application form and email it to april.vibert@tdsb.on.ca