Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
What is SHSM?
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program allows high school students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector where they gain sector-specific skills.
Why Take SHSM at your high school?
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized program approved by the Ministry of Education that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
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 postsecondary education, training or employment.
5 SHSM Program Components
Together, these requirements provide the curriculum-based and experiential learning experiences for making a successful transition to a student’s chosen pathway.
- Bundle of Gr. 11 & 12 Courses
- Certifications
- Reach Ahead Opportunities
- Cooperative Education
- Sector Specific Partnered Experiences in Math, Coding or ICE (Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship)
Key Benefits for Students
Pursuing a SHSM enables students to:
- Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents
- Develop specialized knowledge and skills that are valued by the sector and postsecondary education institutions
- Earn credits that are recognized by the sector and postsecondary education institutions
- Acquire sector-specific and career-relevant certification and training
- Gain confidence in their knowledge of the SHSM Sector
- Identify, explore and refine their career goals and make informed decisions about their postsecondary destination
- Remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways
Learn more about Speciality High Skills Major Programs through Halton Pathways.
At Milton, we are pleased to offer eight SHSM programs in the areas of:
Arts & Culture - See Course Planner
Business - See Course Planner
Construction - See Course Planner
Engineering/Robotics & Manufacturing - See Course Planner
Health & Wellness - Explore the Program
Music & Audio Production - See Course Planner
Social Justice - See Course Planner
Transportation - See Course Planner