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What is a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)?

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized program that allows students to gain credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and focus their learning on a specific economic sector at the same time. The SHSM is a Ministry of Education approved program.

Students receive the SHSM seal on their diploma when they:

• complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in the student's selected field
• earn industry certifications like first aid and CPR qualifications
• gain important skills on the job through cooperative education placements

All KPR high schools offer multiple SHSM programs. Please contact the guidance department at your student's high school to find out which programs are currently being offered. Examples of different programs offered throughout KPR include:

• Arts and culture
• Business
• Construction
• Environment
• Health and wellness
• Hospitality and tourism
• Information and communication technology
• Manufacturing
• Sports
• Transportation

Pursuing an SHSM can help students:

• customize their high school education to suit their interests and talents
• develop specialized knowledge and skills
• earn credits that postsecondary educational institutions and employers recognize
• gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training
• engage in STEM-related activities that develop innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship
• identify, explore and refine career goals and make informed decisions about their future
• transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace
• remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways, should their goals and plans change

Specialist High Skills Major Parent Guide