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Specialist High Skills Majors » Specialist High Skills Major

Specialist High Skills Major

Through the Student Success initiative, Ontario secondary schools are offering expanded programs to help meet students' individual learning styles and interests.   These programs allow students to customize their high school experience through a variety of new and enhanced learning options.  These options include Specialist High Skills Majors and help to meet the needs, interests and strengths of all students, engaging them in learning and better preparing them for graduation and beyond. 
A Specialist High Skills Majors is a ministry-approved specialized program. It allows students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students receive the SHSM's seal on their diploma when they:
* complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in the student's selected field
* earn valuable industry certifications including first aid and CPR qualifications
* gain important skills on the job with employers
Pursuing an SHSM helps students to:
  • Gain important skills on the job with actual employers, at skills training centres and at school.
  • Earn valuable industry certifications, incluidng first aid and CPR qualifications.
  • Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents.
  • Develop specialized knowledge and skills.
  • Earn credits that postsecondary educational institutions and the sector recognize.
  • Gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training.
  • Develop essential skills and work habits documented through the Ontario Skills Passport.
  • Identify, explore and refine career goals and make informed decisions about their future.
  • Remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways, should their goals and plans change.
　
Students who successfully complete an SHSM receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with an embossed red seal and an SHSM Record documenting his/her accomplishments.
SHSM programs are available in all public school boards across the province. For more information about what is available, please contact your school principal or the Student Success Leader at your school board.  CLICK HERE to review a brochure of SHSM programs offered at ADSB Schools.  
 
More detailed information about SHSMs and how they work can be found here.
ADSB Schools Which Offer Specialist High Skills Major Programs