The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and assists in their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace.
A SHSM enables students to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge in the context of engaging, career-related learning environments and helps them focus on graduation and on pursuing their postsecondary goals.
St. Edmund Campion Currently offers SHSM programs in Arts and Culture, Hospitality, Non-Profit, and Sports.
Five Program Requirements
1. Students will complete a bundle of eight credits that include:
- 4 Major Credits in Grade 11 and 12 (at least 1 in each grade)
- 2 to 4 other required credits in Grade 11 and 12
- 2 Cooperative Education Credits
2. Certifications and Training may include:
- CPR, level C including AED
- First Aid
- WHMIS
- Logic Pro
- Ethical considerations
- Leadership
- Conflict Resolution and many more depending on specific SHSM
3. Experiential Learning and Career Exploration
- Job shadowing and job twinning
- Touring facilities and work places
- Volunteering for events
4. “Reach Ahead” experiences connected with the pathway and can include:
- Visiting a university and/or college
- Completing a Dual Credit course at a college
- Attending sector-specific conferences, trade shows and competitions
5. Development of essential skills and the use of the Ontario Skills Passport to document the skills that are learned through this program.
Registering For SHSM Certifications
All students enrolled in a Specialist High Skills Major must complete certification training in the following areas:
- CPR/First Aid, Level C including AED
- WHMIS
CPR/First Aid, AED and WHMIS Training
All students enrolled in SHSM must attend all three days for certification training. The first two days are full-day traning sessions and the last day is only two hours.
Service Excellence Certification Training
The Service Excellence certification training will take place one day each semester. The training session will take place from 8:12 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
How Does A SHSM Benefit Students?
A SHSM allows students to experience a range of customized learning opportunities in an area that interests them, and helps to engage them in their school program.
A SHSM program gives students the opportunity to explore, identify, and refine career goals and make informed decisions related to postsecondary education or training and next steps towards a career.
A SHSM helps students gain confidence in their ability to succeed, and see the connections between their studies, the world beyond high school, and their future careers.
The experiential learning opportunities provided in an SHSM enable students to develop Essential Skills and work habits that are required in the sector, and have their performance of those skills and work habits assessed and documented, using tools connected with the Ontario Skills Passport.
Through a SHSM, students begin to establish relationships and networks in their chosen field.
Students who have earned a SHSM can provide evidence of their achievement of the required components (e.g., sector-recognized certifications and training programs) to prospective employers and postsecondary educational or training institutions.
How Is Successful Completion Of A SHSM Documented?
Successful completion of a SHSM is indicated on the student’s Ontario Secondary School Diploma by a red seal.
The student receives a SHSM Record that documents his or her achievement of the required components, including sector-related certifications earned and/or training courses completed.
Successful completion of a SHSM is indicated on the student’s Ontario Student Transcript (OST).
How Do I Find Out More?
For additional information, make an appointment with your Guidance Counsellor.