Specialist High Skills Major

What is SHSM

Is a specialized program which allows Grade 11 and 12 students to explore career paths that match their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Saint Michael Catholic High School offers the following SHSM sectors: 

- Aviation  - Energy 

- Arts and Culture  - Information and Communication Technology 

- Construction  - Health and Wellness 

- Horticulture  - Transportation Technology 

- Hospitality and tourism 

Why consider SHSM? 

As part of the SHSM program, student receive the following experience: 

  • Free certifications and training 
  • Free field trips 
  • Potential SHSM scholarships and bursaries for post-secondary education 

Certifications like CPR and Standard First Aid are very valuable and make you more employable. Several post-secondary schools recognize SHSM students by giving them automatic scholarships.

Many employers want to hire graduates of the SHSM program because of the special training they’ve received and skills they’ve developed.

When you complete the SHSM program and graduate high school, you’ll receive a SHSM red seal on your diploma. 

Required Components for SHSM

1. Specific Grade 11 and 12 credits related to the SHSM sector 

2. A Cooperative Education course (these are at least two periods/ credits) where students complete a work placement in the community. 

3. Certification and training experiences 

4. Experiential learning and career exploration 

5. Reach ahead experiences 

6. Sector-partnered experiences (SPEs) 

Who is a good candidate for SHSM? 

Here at Saint Michael, we offer SHSM’s in different sectors. Each sector is related to a different career path. See above for the sectors we offer here at STM.

You are a good candidate for an SHSM if you:

1. Are interested in getting into a career in one of the SHSM sectors we offer (see back of this sheet for examples of careers related to each sector)

2. Are interested in and have room in your schedule for a co-op (at least two periods) *If you do not have room for co-op in your schedule and have a job, there is an option to complete a co-op after school or in the summer using your job* **You might require transportation to and from your placement**

3. Are interested in and have the time to participate in the trainings, certifications and other trips involved with obtaining an SHSM.

Interested in joining SHSM? Fill out the SHSM form here