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Specialist High Skills Major
Experience Your Future today!
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program, which is part of the Ministry of Education’s Student Success initiative in the province of Ontario, has been introduced to offer province-wide specialized programs in specific ministryidentified sectors to support the success of all students. Ontario secondary schools are offering expanded programs to help meet students’ individual learning styles and interests. These options include Dual Credits, Specialist High Skills Majors and Cooperative Education. These programs help to meet the needs, interests and strengths of all students, engaging them in learning and better preparing them for graduation and beyond.
Students who choose an SHSM designation learn through co-operative education and experiential learning placement within the community. Students who complete an SHSM designation can be confident when they leave high school that they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and industry-recognized qualifications desired by employers and post-secondary institutions. Niagara Catholic is proud to be partnered with many local businesses and agencies within the Niagara Region to offer its students rich and diverse opportunities to gain practical experience and expertise in their chosen career fields.
Core Components
Bundled Credits
Each SHSM program offers students a bundle of 8-10 Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits. The credits include: 4 “major” credits in their area of interest, English and Mathematics, other elective courses in Science, Business or Social Sciences that are designed to complement the major courses, and at least 2 co-op courses related to their SHSM.
Sector-Recognized Certifications
Related to the major and selected from a list, both generic and specific to support the sector (i.e. WHMIS, First Aid, Fall Arrest).
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Which includes: Job-shadowing, job-twinning, work experience, cooperative education, field trips and other workplace experiences for students to explore careers related to that sector.
SHSM Scholarships and Bursaries
Please see Scholarship and Bursary information here:
Reach Ahead Experiences
In the field and sectors considered as a post-secondary destination, ranging from a few hours to full courses (e.g. Dual Credit program).
Student Reflections on SHSM
Natalie Dury - "Some of the benefits of SHSM have been learning skills for the workplace, getting hands-on experience, and knowing my career path fits my interests."
Finnegan Quirk - "SHSM motivated me to seek out opportunities. My Aviation SHSM has given me goals, such as completing my drone licence."