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Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

What is SHSM?

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program is a specialized program for Grade 11 and 12 students that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school.

These programs enable students to gain sector specific skills and knowledge in engaging, career-related learning environments, and prepare in a focused way for graduation and post-secondary education, training or employment.

SHSM offerings vary by school. Students in Grade 10 or above can indicate their interest in a Pathways program in myBlueprint and are encouraged to speak to their Guidance Counsellor about available SHSM. 

 

Aldershot offers a broad selection of SHSM programs to their students, including:

a graphic of a girl wearing virtual reality goggles.

Program overview

Arts & Culture is continually reinventing how we interact with each other and with our communities through storytelling. The Multimedia Production SHSM at Aldershot School will provide students with a multidisciplinary perspective and skills that will help them stand out in the field while also developing unique creative problem solving skills. Students will be able to continue with the creative industries related courses that they are most drawn to while exposing them to new ones through certifications, co-op opportunities, field trips, and guest speakers. The versatility of this SHSM provides students with a clearer view of how this sector truly operates and the multitude of job opportunities within it, regardless of their pathway. Students can expect to learn about audio production, digital music production, video production, graphic design, marketing, entrepreneurship and game design.

Experiential learning opportunities 

  • Job-shadow industry professionals 
  • Complete 2 Cooperative Education credits
  • Get work experience in the Arts and Culture sector
  •  See guest speakers, go on field trips and other workplace experiences that explore careers in the creative industries (videо, audio, music, graphics, and game production)

Related careers

  • Music Producer
  • Recording Engineer
  •  Musician for Hire/Session Musician
  • Video Game Designer 
  • Graphic Designer
  • Marketing & Advertising
  • Web /ApDesigner
  • UI/UX Designer
  • Broadcast Technician
  • Freelance Content Creator

Certifications and training

  • CCPR Level C/AED Training & Standard First Aid/WHMIS
  • Electrical Safety Training
  • Working with Hardware
  • Freelancing 101
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration
    tools

Credits

Course package

Each SHSM program offers students a bundle of 8 - 10 credits. These courses are regular Ontario secondary school courses that allow students to work towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, but have been bundled as the most relevant courses to prepare students for a future in the arts and culture sector

The bundle includes:

  • 4 “major” credits related to arts and culture in grade 11 and 12
  • Supporting credits, which include Contextualized Learning Activities (opportunities for students to learn the subject in the context of the construction sector):
    > 1 Grade 12 English credit
    > 1 Grade 11 Math credit
    > 1 Grade 11 or 12 Business Studies, Canadian and World Studies or I-STEM IDC credit
    > 2 Cooperative Education credits to experience life in the arts and culture sector

Contact

Warren Hutton at huttonw@hdsb.ca or Brendan Kerr at  kerrb@hdsb.ca

someone with their back to the camera wearing a large backpack looking out at nature while standing on elevated ground.

Program overview

The RBG ECO Studies Environment SHSM at Aldershot School is a program designed to develop environmental awareness while fostering leadership skills and healthy lifestyles. The Specialist High Skills Major 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). This SHSM will inspire young people, build their confidence and help to improve our environment. Field trips will provide unique opportunities for hands-on learning and a chance to foster connections with professionals within their field and in the community. Students participate in certification and training opportunities, which can lead to accreditation that is helpful in obtaining employment and gaining entrance to competitive postsecondary education programs and the job market.

Experiential learning opportunities

  • Leadership focused training and program development
  • Trips to various environment related organizations and associations 
  • Presentations related to different careers within the sector
  • Complete 2 Cooperative Education credits
  • Trips to colleges and universities
  •  Attend camping, tree planting and other outdoor excursions

Related careers

  • Teacher
  • Environmental / Geological Engineer
  • Canoeing Guide/Outfitter
  • Earth Scientist
  • Conservation Officer
  • Energy Consumption Consultant
  • Hydrologist
  • Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Workers
  • Mapping and Related Technologist/Technician
  • Water Quality Technician / Technologist

Certification and training

  • Advanced Leadership Training
  • Standard First Aid / CPR C & AED Training
  • WHMIS
  •  Compass / Map Global Position Systems (GPS)
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Leave No Trace Camping
  • Knot Certification
  • Halton Environmental Leadership Program
  • Habitat Restoration
  • Stream Assessment Protocol
  • Paddling Techniques

Credits

Course package

Each SHSM program offers students a bundle of 8 - 10 credits. These courses are regular Ontario secondary school courses that allow students to work towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, but have been bundled as the most relevant courses to prepare students for a future in the environment sector. 

ECO Studies is a one semester integrated program.

Program courses

  • Earth and Space Science (SES 4U) OR Forces of Nature (CGF 3M)
  • Environment and Resource Management (CGR 4M)
  • Outdoor Leadership (PLF 4M)
  • First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Voices (NBE 3U or 3C) - Replaces grade 11 English.
  • 2 Credits of Cooperative Education (DCO 3O)

Contact

Jason Blair at blairj@hdsb.ca  

a young woman assisting an older man in the gym

Program overview

The demand for professionals in the Healthcare sector in Ontario is rapidly increasing as Canada’s population ages. The healthcare sector includes a wide variety of career opportunities and employs close to 2 million people across Canada. The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Health & Wellness program prepares students to pursue occupations in a broad range of health and medical-related fields. 

Specialist High Skills Major programs offer first-hand experience and unique training in all four career pathway destinations: Apprenticeship, College, University and the Workplace. The SHSM program in health and wellness gives students an opportunity to specialize, gain qualifications, and receive additional industry-related experiential learning opportunities through on-the-job placements and training within the healthcare sector. In this program, students earn 4 credits in one semester (Grade 12 PLF4M, Grade 12 kinesiology PSK4U and two co-operative education credits).

Experiential learning opportunities

  • Job-shadow fitness professionals
  • Complete two Cooperative Education credits
  • Hands-on skills and training in various forms of fitness training
  • Learn how to use fitness equipment properly and safely
  • Listen to guest speakers, attend field trips, and participate in other workplace experiences as part of career exploration

Related careers

  • Athletic Trainer
  • Fitness Instructor
  • Physical Therapist
  • Medical Assistant
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Physical Therapist
  • Sports and Fitness Nutritionist
  • Sports Massage Therapist
  • Sports Medicine Aid (or Aide)
  • Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Coach
  • Yoga Instructor

Certification and training

  • Standard First Aid / CPR & AED (Level C) / WHMIS
  • Yoga foundations certificate*
  • Meditation and Mindfulness Foundations Certificate*
  • Advanced Anatomy certificate*
  • Functional Exercise and Design certificate*

* 20 hour, provided by an RYT YACEP instructor

Credits

Course package

Each SHSM program offers students a bundle of 8 - 10 credits. These courses are regular Ontario secondary school courses that allow students to work towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, but have been bundled as the most relevant courses to prepare students for a future in the health and wellness sector with a focus on Fitness.

The bundle includes:

  • 4 “major” credits in health and wellness in grade 11 and 12; 2 Credits Co-operative Education (internship in a leadership setting), PSK4U & PLF4M
  • Supporting credits, which include Contextualized Learning Activities (opportunities for students to learn the subject in the context of the health and wellness sector):
    > Grade 12 English credit
    > 1 Grade 11 Math credit
    > Grade 11 or 12 Science or Social Science &
    Humanities
    > 2 Cooperative Education credits to experience
    life in the healthcare sector

Contact

Cara Greenslade at greenslaadec@hdsb.ca 

two people working in an auto shop

Program overview

The Motive Power and Engineering (MPE) SHSM aligns students with a strong broad base foundation in either the engineering, business, service, repair and modification of vehicles. Students in the MPE are working towards an OSSD Diploma, with a focus on Truck and Coach and Heavy Equipment. MPE allows students interested in a career in the Automotive Industry and/or Engineering to focus their studies on: Servicing and Repair, Engineering, Design Technology and Business. These areas of the sector are in high need in order to replenish the ageing workforce. Students of the MPE could go directly to work, seek an apprenticeship or apply to a college program. MPE is beneficial to students considering university programs in fields such as Engineering or a Bachelor of Technology. MPE will expose students to a variety of hands-on experiences, design and engineering content.

Experiential learning opportunities

  • Trips to various transportation related businesses such as trucking companies, truck repair facilities, bus companies, heavy equipment organizations and manufacturers and related college partners
  • Presentations related to different careers within the sector
  • Complete 2 Cooperative Education credits
  • Trips to colleges and universities
  • Complete experiences related to math, coding or the design thinking process related to the transportation sector

Related careers 

  • Truck Driver
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Truck & Coach Technician
  • Heavy Equipment Technician
  • Engineer - Mechanical/Automotive
  • Designer
  • Service Advisor
  • Service Manager
  • Truck/Equipment Sales Associate
  • Parts Sales Associate
  • Parts Manager/Sales Manager
  • High School Teacher
  • Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Certifications and training

  • CPR Level C/AED Training,
  • Standard First Aid/WHMIS
  • Lift Truck Safety
  • Customer Service
  • Leadership
  • Infection Control
  • Fire Safety & Fire Extinguisher Use
  • Ergonomics

Credits

Course package

Each SHSM program offers students a bundle of 8 - 10 credits. These courses are regular Ontario secondary school courses that allow students to work towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, but have been bundled as the most relevant courses to prepare students for a future in the transportation sector.

The bundle includes:

  • 4 “major” credits related to transportation in grade 11 and 12
  • Supporting credits, which include Contextualized Learning Activities (opportunities for students to learn the subject in the context of the transportation sector):
    > 1 Grade 12 English credit
    > 1 Grade 11 Math credit
    > 1 Grade 11 or 12 Science, Business Studies or Social Sciences credit
    > 2 Cooperative Education credits to experience life in the transportation sector

Contact

Paul Uzarowski at uzarowskip@hdsb.ca 

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