Programme Overview

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

[+] Learn More about the SHSM Programme

Why Specialist High Skills Major?

  • An SHSM allows students to experience a range of customized learning opportunities in an area that interests them, and helps to engage them in their school program.
  • An SHSM program gives students the opportunity to explore, identify, and refine career goals and make informed decisions related to postsecondary education or training and next steps towards a career.
  • An SHSM helps students gain confidence in their ability to succeed, and see the connections between their studies, the world beyond high school, and their future careers.

The experiential learning opportunities provided in an SHSM enable students to develop Essential Skills and work habits that are required in the sector. Further, they have their performance of those skills and work habits assessed and documented using tools connected with the Ontario Skills Passport. Through an SHSM, students begin to establish relationships and networks in their chosen field.

Students who have earned an SHSM can provide evidence of their achievement of the required components (e.g., sector-recognized certifications and training programs) to prospective employers and postsecondary educational or training institutions.

 

Specialist High Skills Major Logo Specialist High Skills Logo