What is SHSM?

 

A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is designed to enable students to customize their secondary school experience with a career focus to suit their interests and talents, and provide specific learning and skills that are advantageous for post secondary success in all destinations: apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace. Students who complete the required components will graduate with a SHSM designation on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Our SHSM program will allow students to major in Health and Wellness.

 

What is a Specialist High Skill Major (SHSM)

 

SHSM is a Ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to gradate from secondary school. It also assists in their transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace.

 

Key Benefits of an SHSM

 

Pursuing an SHSM enables 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 recognized,

Gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training,

Develop Essential skills and work habits that are tracked through the Ontario Skills Passport website ( www.skills.edu.gov.on.ca) and developed through work placement(s),

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,

Participate in experiential learning/career exploration opportunities.

 

How is an SHSM recognized?

 

Students who successfully complete an SHSM receive:

An Ontario Secondary School Diploma with an embossed red seal,

An SHSM Record documenting his/her achievement,

Formal recognition on his/her Ontario Student Transcript.

 

How they help?

Students have the opportunity to:

Gain important skills on the job with actual employers, at skill training centres and at school,

Earn valuable industry certifications, including first aid and CPR.