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WRDSB_SHSM Promo_Part 2_Details_about_SHSM_Components.mp4Specialist High Skills Major
Specialist High Skills Major
Specialist High Skills Majors let students focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students receive the SHSM’s seal on their diploma when they
complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in the student’s selected field
earn valuable industry certifications including first aid and CPR qualifications
gain important skills on the job with employers.
Southwood is pleased to offer 4 SHSM Programs.
Southwood is pleased to offer 4 SHSM Programs.
Click on the images below for more sector specific information.
Click on the images below for more sector specific information.
What is a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)?
What is a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)?
A SHSM is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. It also assists in their transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace.
All Specialist High Skills Majors have 5 major components for completion (see below for more info).
What are the Key Benefits of a SHSM?
What are the Key Benefits of a SHSM?
Pursuing an SHSM helps students to:
Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents.
Develop specialized knowledge and skills.
Earn credits that post-secondary educational institutions and the sector recognize, and be eligible for additional scholarships specifically for SHSM students.
Gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training.
Develop essential skills and work habits documented through the Ontario Skills Passport.
Identify, explore, and refine career goals and make informed decisions about their future.
Remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways, should their goals and plans change.
How is a SHSM recognized?
How is a SHSM recognized?
Students who successfully complete an SHSM receive:
an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with an embossed SHSM seal
a SHSM Record documenting his/her achievement
formal recognition on his/her Ontario Student Transcript
When can I get started?
When can I get started?
Apply in your Grade 10 or 11 year, by signing up in My Blueprint to indicate your interest.
If you would like more information about how the SHSM program works and how to sign up, contact your guidance counsellor or school SHSM Lead (Mrs. Karen Krawchyk).
If you would like more information about what opportunities are available in a specific program, contact the appropriate SHSM Program Lead:
Environment - Mr. Bracey at jason_bracey@wrdsb.ca
Health and Wellness - Mrs. Deacon at jacqueline_deacon@wrdsb.ca
Hospitality and Tourism - Mrs. Martin at joanne_martin@wrdsb.ca
Transportation - Mr. Stockford at steve_stockford@wrdsb.ca
The 5 Components of a SHSM
The 5 Components of a SHSM
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
Bundle Credits Certification Experience & Reach-Ahead Sector-Partnered
Bundle Credits Certification Experience & Reach-Ahead Sector-Partnered
& Training Exploration Activities Experience (SPE)
& Training Exploration Activities Experience (SPE)
To find out more about the specific components in each of our SHSM programs, visit that program's page by clicking on the images above.
To find out more about the specific components in each of our SHSM programs, visit that program's page by clicking on the images above.
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