SHSM

What is the Specialized High Skills Major?

Specialist High Skills Majors let students focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

View the SHSM Fact Sheet.

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Students receive the SHSM's distinctive red seal on their diploma when they:

• complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in the student's selected field including a two credit coop placement
• earn valuable industry certifications including First Aid, WHMIS and CPR qualifications
• gain important skills on the job with employers

Each SHSM consists of five required components:

1. Bundled Credits - defined bundle of credits consisting of eight to ten Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits, including cooperative education.
2. Certification and Training Sector-recognized certifications and training courses and programs.
3. Experiential learning and career exploration activities Experiential learning and career exploration activities within the sector.
4. Reach-Ahead Experiences Learning experiences connected with the student’s post-secondary plans.
5. Connection with community partners to deliver either a coding project, a numeracy/literacy project or an innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship project.

View the province-wide SHSM infographic.