Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

What is a Specialized High Skills Major?

A Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) allows students to customize their secondary school experience to fit career interests.

Offered in Grade 11 and 12, an SHSM allows students to receive a specialized secondary school diploma that is recognized in various economic sectors in all four pathways.

SHSM logo

What does a SHSM look like?

A SHSM is a bundle of 8 to 10 Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits that include two experiential learning (co-op) credits.

What do you get by taking a SHSM?
  • Sector-recognized certifications and training
  • Real work experience
  • Learning experiences connected with post-secondary opportunities
  • Skills and work habits required for employment success

Specialist High Skills Major Courses Offered

The Construction Technology SHSM Program

The Construction SHSM enables students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace.  The program focuses on the design and construction of residential structures.

“I feel that the program has prepared me for my future studies as an electrician. The courses that were offered within the SHSM have allowed me to gain knowledge of career areas that I may not have taken if not in the program.  I feel that the certifications and safety training have given me a good base for my future career aspirations.” ~ Tyler Clause

Benefits of our Transportation Program

  • Design and develop a residential construction project
  • Attain sector specific certifications such as First Aid, CPR and Fall Protection
  • Experience the design or construction environment through work placements via co-ops
  • Relate their studies in core subject areas to chosen interest area
  • Graduate with a SHSM seal of designation on your secondary school diploma
  • Gain valuable industry-specific work experience and knowledge

Health and Wellness SHSM Program

Health and Wellness enables students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace. The program allows students to build a foundation of knowledge and skills in their preferred sector. Students may be able to choose an area of focus within this program, such as healthcare, fitness, child care and family services.

Benefits of the Health and Wellness SHSM Program:

  • Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents
  • Develop specialized knowledge and skills that are valued by the sector and post-secondary education institutions
  • Earn credits that are recognized by the sector and post-secondary education institutions
  • Gain sector-specific and career-relevant certification and training
  • Develop essential skills and work habits that are valued by the sector
  •  Identify, explore, and refine their career goals and make informed decisions about their post-secondary destination