Student Success

Specialist High Skills Major Programs

in Dufferin-Peel

Click here to view chart of SHSM Programs in Dufferin-Peel

What is a Specialist High Skills Major?

A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a of ministry-approved specialized program.  A SHSM allows students to focus on kowledge and skills that are of particular importance in certain economic sectors, and to obtain certifications recognized in those sectors, as they work towards meeting the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).  Students who graduate with a SHSM designation on their diploma are prepared for success in a particular sector and in the post secondary destination of their choice, whether it be apprenticeship training, a college, university, or the workplace.

Every SHSM includes 5 components for each area of specialization:

1.  A bundle of required credits:

• "major credits" for courses that provide kowledge and skills closely related to the particular sector of specialization;
• "additional required credits" credits for courses in English and other relevant disciplines (eg., science, mathematics, or business studies), which include units of study that are customized to the particular sector;
• minimum of two cooperative education credits, which may be used to meet two fo the 18 compulsory credit requirements for the OSSD;

2.  Compulsory industry recognized certifications.

3.  Experiential learning through job shadowing, work experience, and a minimum of 2 credits earned through cooperative education

4.  Use of Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) to document demonstration  of essential skills and work habits

5.  "Reach ahead" opportunities, which allow students to expericence learning in their intended post secondary destination.