Dunnville Secondary School
School Profile 2024-25
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
What is a Specialist High Skills Major?
A Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) allows students to customize their secondary school experience to fit career interests.
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?
Specialist High Skills Major courses offered:
The Manufacturing Program, Welding/Fabrication Focus
The Manufacturing Program covers architectural, mechanical, electrical and civil drafting using AutoCAD, precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, and various types of welding and cutting of metal. This program uses a CNC plasma cutter for numerous projects..
“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
The Construction Program
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: