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waterfordwolves_Logo.pngWaterford District High School
School Profile 2024-25

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

What is a Specialist High Skills Major?

SHSMLogo_2023.jpgA 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?

  • 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 Construction Program – Homebuilding Focus

construction.jpgThe Construction Specialist High Skills Major allows students to develop valuable skills and knowledge, gain additional insight into post-secondary destinations, and obtain certifications to ensure they are ready for a career in the construction industry.

“Everybody’s worried about getting a job, but this program takes a lot of that fear away.”

Dylan Eastman (Grade 12 Student)

Benefits of the Construction Program

  • Double construction credits in grade 11 and 12
  • Co-op placement in the construction industry
  • Industry-recognized certifications (CPR, First Aid, Working at Heights, Health & Safety, etc.)
  • Exposure to various trades involved in the construction industry ​​

The Health and Wellness Program

sideimage10.jpgThe Health and Wellness program allows students to focus their learning on an array of health fields through a combination of classroom and hands-on learning. Students can use professional technology in their respective discipline, enabling them to be prepared citizens for the Health and Wellness sector.

“This SHSM opened my eyes up to interesting careers I never knew existed and made me consider different options for my future.”​​​​​

Claire Leman (Grade 12 Student)

Benefits of the Health and Wellness Program:

  • Seven industry-recognized certifications (e.g. safe-food handling, CPR, AED)
  • Gain health related work experience to apply to your resume
  • Participate in unique field trips like “Discovery Days” put on by industry associations
  • Discover emerging health and wellness careers through field trips and guest speakers ​​​​​​

 

 

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