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 Communications Technology Program –
Production Focus
The North Park Communications Technology SHSM is designed for students who have expressed an interest in graphic design, video/film production, television, radio broadcasting, animation, and web or video game design.
“This SHSM is a great program as it has given me many experiences such as the Hamilton Music Awards, the George Stroumboulopoulos Show on CBC and training from Apple, WHMIS, CPR and many others. It will prepare me well for studying Communications Technology in the future.”
Carah Hager (Grade 12 student)
Benefits of the Communications Technology Program
- Certifications include: CPR, First Aid, WHMIS and specific software training
- Reach Ahead Opportunities like industry visits, college and university visits, and other relevant field trips
- Job Shadow opportunities in your Grade 11 or 12 year
- Exposure to potential careers in the communications technology and media production
The Construction Program
The Construction industry is one of the largest employers in Ontario. Potential job opportunities range from Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters, to Designers, Architects, Project Managers and the people responsible for maintaining buildings after they are built.
“North Parks Collegiate’s Construction program is probably one of the greatest things I have experienced in the four years I have spent here.
We learned and experienced so many great things that not only benefit our post-secondary life but our future careers as well. I am forever grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful program.”
Magee Gallant
Benefits of the Construction Program
- Course bundles will prepare students for transitions to apprenticeship training, college, university or employment
- Program is based on recent and continuous input from colleges, universities, local businesses and local community
- Students will graduate with SHSM distinction attached to their diploma
The Health and Wellness Program
The Health & Wellness SHSM program caters to students who are interested in pursuing health care studies and the promotion of health after graduation. It gives students an advantage through the “red seal” that appears on their transcript. Through courses geared towards health care and healthy living, various certifications (e.g. First Aid, CPR, etc.), experiential learning (e.g. job shadowing), and “reach ahead” activities (e.g. various field trips), North Park students receive many opportunities to explore the field of health care and health promotion before graduation from high school..
“Being someone who loves to learn outside the standard classroom environment, the SHSM provided me with just that, through job shadowing, co-op, and university seminars. I can confidently say the valuable real-life experiences I have gained through SHSM have given me a better understanding of the health care system.”
Neha Malhotra (Grade 12 student)
Benefits of the Health and Wellness Program
- Certifications include: CPR, First Aid and AED Training, Infection Control, Lab Practices, Medical Terminology, Sterile Techniques, Sport Nutrition, Concussion Awareness, Communication Skills and Sport Program Design and WHMIS
- Reach Ahead opportunities by participating in “Discovery Days in Health Science” at: Western University or McMaster University and "Kinesiology Lab Days" at the University of Waterloo
- Job Shadow opportunities in your Grade 11 or 12 year
- Co-op for a semester in your field; many great hospital, clinic and wellness placements available