School Profile 2024-25
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
What is a Specialist High Skills Major?
Offered in Grade 11 and 12, an SHSM allows students to receive a specialized secondary school diploma that is recognized in various economic sectors in all four pathways.
What does a SHSM look like?
A SHSM is a bundle of 8 to 10 Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits that include two experiential learning (co-op) credits.
What do you get by taking an SHSM?
- Sector-recognized certifications and training
- Real workplace experience
- Learning experiences connected with post-secondary opportunities
- Skills and work habits required for employment success
Specialist High Skills Major courses offered:
The Manufacturing Program, Welding/Fabrication Focus
“Students should take the Transportation SHSM to learn life skills. The teachers are kind and will teach you so much. I now know how to deal with car emergencies and how to buy a car. The skills I learned will help me with future employment.”
A. Jones, SHSM Graduate
Benefits of the Manufacturing Program
- High concentration of sector-related skills and knowledge
- Free certifications in WHMIS, CPR, and more
- Free field trips to trade shows, colleges, and industries
- Sector-partnered contextualized experience
- Co-op placement in the sector
The Construction Program includes Architectural Drafting using AutoCAD, knowledge of wood joining and framing, residential electricity and plumbing, roofing, and the use of numerous other building materials. Students can master a variety of woodworking skills and techniques in a safe environment.
“The Construction SHSM helped me choose my career path. The Tech. Design and Construction courses helped me choose the Architectural Engineering Program at the University of Waterloo. The extra certifications were really helpful, and I loved the hands-on experience of the classes.”
O. Lingaitis, SHSM Graduate
Benefits of the Hospitality and Tourism Program:
- High concentration of sector-related skills and knowledge
- Free certifications in WHMIS, CPR, and more
- Free field trips to trade shows, colleges, and industries
- Sector-partnered contextualized experience
- Co-op placement in the sector