What is a SHSM?
A Specialized High Skills Major offers students greater choice for customized, career-focused secondary school learning in a particular sector of the economy that meets their particular interests and talents while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Focused learning experiences help students explore, identify and refine career goals and make informed decisions related to successful postsecondary transition to apprenticeship training, college, university or employment. Students are able to recognize the connection between secondary school learning and future employment by establishing relationships and networks in their chosen career field. Students gain confidence in their ability to be successful, improve their skills and work habits, in addition to earning sector-recognized certifications.
Advantages
- customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents;
- earn sector-recognized knowledge and skills while earning their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD);
- explore, identify, and refine career goals;
- make informed decisions regarding postsecondary destinations ;
- reach ahead to have experiences in postsecondary destinations by, for example, earning ministry-approved dual credits for college and/or university course and/or participating in Level 1 Apprenticeship in-school training;
- access resources, equipment, and expertise that may not be available in their secondary school;
- network with potential employers;
- select a bundle of 8 for (AC) or 9 for (ICT) Grade 11 and Grade 12 required credits which are:
- identified in a provincial framework focused on sector-specific knowledge and skills;
- valued by employers and postsecondary educational institutions;
- planned in a pathway that leads to a specific destination;
- designed with flexibility to allow students to shift between destinations (e.g., switch from a pathway leading to college to an apprenticeship pathway) or discontinue the SHSM specialization should career plans change in grades 11 or 12;
- documented to provide evidence of achievement for prospective employers (e.g., sector recognized certifications, essential skills and work habits) and postsecondary educational institutions (e.g., credits).
Ministry Information:
To view Ministry of Education's information for the SHSM click here.
To view the SHSM Fact Sheet click here.