Specialist High Skills Major

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program allows students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests. Student success is about meeting individual learning needs. The SHSM program provides a customized and enhanced learning option for students.

Students must be in grade 11 or 12 to participate in the program, however, recruitment and registration is in Grade 10. Specialist High Skills Major Programs in the high skills fields are great for students who want to take an apprenticeship, attend college or university or enter the workforce. DDSB offers programs in 11 different sectors, located at various secondary schools:

  • Agriculture
  • Arts and Culture
  • Business
  • Construction
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Health and Wellness
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Information and Communications Technology
  • Sports
  • Transportation

Enrol in the program

The SHSM program includes a variety of job sectors and apprenticeships available at each secondary school. Choose a job sector or apprenticeship that interests you and then tailor your courses accordingly. Talk with your school Principal, Guidance Department Head, or Student Success Leader to enrol in Grade 10.

Program benefits

The SHSM program helps you:

  • Develop specialized knowledge and skills
  • Participate in enhanced experiential learning and activities
  • Customize your schooling to meet your skills and interests
  • Earn credits that can transfer to post-secondary education
  • Identify, explore and refine your career goals
  • Develop education and career connections through cooperative learning (mandatory 2 credits)

Program delivery

Students in SHSM will:

  • Gain experience through cooperative education work placements
  • Complete 8 to 10 courses in your selected field
  • Complete First Aid, CPR, and WHMIS training along with other specialized certifications
  • Engage in reach-ahead experiences
  • Participate in Sector-Partnered Contextualized Experiences

Read more about the program and delivery from the Ontario Ministry of Education.