What is the Specialist High Skills Major?
The SHSM enables students to customize their high school experience to suit their interests and talents, and prepares them for a successful post secondary transition to apprenticeship training, college, university, or employment, while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
What are the highlights of these programs?
- Select a bundle of 9-10 required credits identified in a Ministry approved framework including:
- ‘Major’ credits (4) provide sector specific knowledge and skills (landscaping or manufacturing)
- other required credits (3), including English, science and mathematics, delivered in the context of the manufacturing sector; Earn sector recognized certifications to assist in successful transition and possible advanced standing in the workplace and post secondary destinations
- Earn additional certifications such as 1st Aid, CPR and WHMIS
- Engage in experiential learning through job shadowing, work experience, and cooperative education - a minimum of 2 credits linked to the ‘Major’ credits;
- Use the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) to document demonstration of essential skills and work habits;
- Engage in ‘reach ahead’ experiences that range from experiential learning a few hours in length to full courses.
Halton SHSM Programs Web Page
