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 Hospitality and Tourism Program – Cooking/Restaurant Focus
“I wanted to get into a career in culinary after people told me I was good at cooking. I enjoy working with large cuts of meat, like prime rib because it’s more of a challenge.”
(Grade 12 student)
Benefits of the Hospitality and Tourism Program
- Build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills to assist with their pathway
- Participate in sector recognized training and certification in Safe Food Handler, Smart Serve, CPR, Standard First Aid, WHMIS and Restaurant Service
- Experiential Learning opportunities
- Sector supported English, math, science and/or business courses
The Restoration Program - Auto Body, Auto Service, and Small Engines Focus
“I enjoy the Transportation SHSM because it helps me work toward my apprenticeship hours and I plan on doing my apprenticeship as an auto body mechanic. I love cars.”
(Grade 12 student)
Benefits of the Restoration Program
- A focused approach to a career pathway
- Three senior credits (English, math, and science or business) with units contextualized to the transportation industry
- A chance to work in the trade and apply skills and knowledge in a co-operative work placement (two credits)
- Trade-related certifications such as First Aid, CPR, WHMIS, customer service, and more, paid for by the SHSM program
The Health and Wellness Program – Hair/Esthetics Focus
“The Health and Wellness SHSM has been an awesome experience. All of the training and knowledge helped me not only at school but in my workplace and everyday life. Attending the educational trips taught me new skills and techniques and showed me different career choices.”
(Student)
Benefits of the Health and Wellness Program
- Up-to-date techniques in the beauty industry
- Free First Aid, CPR, and WHMIS and elective certifications
- Community involvement through schools, health care, community groups
- Co-op placements at reputable salons within the community
- Explore career pathways through media, guest speakers, and Reach-ahead Opportunities
Construction Technology – Carpentry and Woodworking Focus
“I am thrilled to have finally found a field that interests me. I am hoping that my training will lead to a full-time job in this industry.”
(Grade 12 Student)
Benefits of the Construction Technology Program
- Students receive training in: Ladder Safety, Fall Protection, WHMIS, CPR, First Aid, and Forklift Training
- Students can take a focus course in general carpentry/woodworking, green industries/horticulture, manufacturing, and/or masonry
- Students learn all stages of construction fundamentals
- Co-ops are available for students looking to pursue an apprenticeship and a potential career in the construction/woodworking industry