The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program allows high school students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector where they gain sector-specific training.
Why Take SHSM?
A Specialist High Skills Major is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). These programs enable students to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge in engaging and career-related learning environments.
5 SHSM Program Components
Together, these requirements provide the curriculum-based and experiential learning experiences for making a successful transition to a student's chosen pathway:
- Bundle of Gr. 11 & 12 Courses
- Valuable Sector Specific Certifications
- Reach Ahead Opportunities
- Cooperative Education
- Sector Partnered Experiences.
Key Benefits For Students
Pursuing an SHSM helps students to:
- Gain important skills on the job with actual employers, at skills training centres and at school.
- Acquire sector-specific and career-relevant certifications and training.
- Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents.
- Develop specialized knowledge and skills that are valued by the sector and postsecondary education institutions.
- Identify, explore and refine career goals and make informed decisions about their future.
- Gain confidence in their knowledge of the SHSM Sector.
Students who successfully complete an SHSM receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with an embossed red seal and an SHSM Record documenting their accomplishments.
How Do I Find Out More?
For more information about what is available, please contact the Student Services department at your school. More detailed information about SHSMs and how they work can also be found on the Ministry website by clicking here.
School | Programs Offered |
Central Algoma Secondary | Transportation |
Elliot Lake Secondary | Construction Environment Hospitality & Tourism |
Korah C&VS | Aviation & Aerospace* Business Energy Health & Wellness Manufacturing Non-Profit, Education and Childcare Transportation |
Superior Heights C&VS | Business Environment Health & Wellness Hospitality & Tourism |
White Pines C&VS | Arts & Culture Construction/House Building** Environment Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Transportation |
*The Aviation & Aerospace program is located at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and open to all central ADSB students.
**The House Building program is located at various construction sites in Sault Ste. Marie and open to all central ADSB students. Students at White Pines are also able to earn a school-based Construction SHSM.