​What is a High S​kills Major (SHSM)?

• ​The 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.
• Every SHSM must include the following five components, which are outlined in detail in individual guides for each sector:

• A bundle of 8-10 Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits that includes:
• ​4 major credits that provide sector-specific knowledge and skills
• 2-4 other required credits from the Ontario curriculum, in which some expectations are met through learning activities contextualized to the sector
• 2 cooperative education credits that provide authentic learning experiences in a workplace setting, enabling students to refine, extend, and practice sector-specific knowledge and skills
• ​Sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses
• Experiential learning and career exploration activities within the sector
• "Reach ahead" experiences connected with the student’s chosen postsecondary pathway
• Development of Essential Skills and work habits required in the sector, and the use of the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) for purposes of documentation

How Does a SHSM be​nefit 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 information about SHSM programs?​

• Individual guides for each sector, as well as the SHSM Implementation Guide, are available at: www.edu.gov.on.ca​/eng/studentsuccess/pathways/shsm/
• For additional information, contact the lead for the SHSM programs at your local secondary school.

Business: 
Biz$mart: Click H​ere for the Biz$mart Brouchure
Transportation: 
Transportation For Tomorrow: Click ​Here for the Transportaion Brouchure
​C​lick Here for the SHSM Student Application