Exploring SHSM

SHSM programs are ministry-approved specialized programs that allow 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.

Specialist High Skills Majors let students focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests. Students receive the SHSM seal on their diploma when they complete a bundle of 8-10 courses in the student's selected field, earn valuable industry certifications, and gain important skills on-the-job through cooperative education placements.

SHSM is for grade 11 and 12 students who are heading for apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace and wish to identify, explore and refine their career goals and make informed choices about their next steps after secondary school. Students have the opportunity to gain important skills on the job with actual employers, at skills training centres and at school. They earn valuable industry certifications, including first aid and CPR qualifications.

Key Benefits of pursuing a SHSM is to help students:

• Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents.
• Develop specialized knowledge and skills.
• Earn credits that postsecondary educational institutions and the sector recognize.
• Gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training
• 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.