Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to gain industry knowledge and skills through a range of customized experiential learning opportunities with a career focus on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. It also assists in their transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace.
Five SHSM Programs at George Harvey:
- Arts & Culture (Arts & Culture Sector)
- Construction, Engineering & Automotive (Construction Sector)
- Health & Wellness (Health & Wellness Sector)
- Information & Communication Technology (ICT Sector)
- Global Citizenship & Leadership (Non-Profit Sector)
Key Benefits for Students Pursuing an SHSM:
- Customized education to suit students' interests and talents
- Sector capacity building with specialized knowledge and skills
- Job ready with industry recognized certifications and training
- STEM-related experiences in ICE (Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship), Coding or Mathematical Literacy
- Reach Ahead and Career Exploration experiences that inform students of their post-secondary education, career and life planning
- Eligibility for SHSM-related scholarships, bursaries and incentives offered by colleges, universities and industry organizations
Students are eligible to join an SHSM Program when they are in Grade 11 and earn the SHSM Red Seal on their Ontario High School Diploma when all the program components are successfully completed by their high school graduation.
Five Required Components of Each SHSM:
- Bundle of Credits
A defined bundle of credits consisting of 8 to 10 Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits, including 2 mandatory Cooperative Education credits (to be incorporated in, not in addition to, the 30 credits for OSSD)
- Certification and Training Experiences
Sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses (at no cost to SHSM students)
- Experiential Learning and Career Exploration Activities
Experiential learning and career exploration activities within the sector
- Reach Ahead Experiences
Learning experiences connected with the student's post-secondary plans
- Sector-Partnered Experiences
Experiences in which students engage with a sector partner to explore sector-related content, skills, and knowledge involving either ICE (Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship), coding, or mathematical literacy
George Harvey SHSM Slide Presentation
(Click to access our Pear Deck Interactive SHSM Presentation)
SHSM Online Application for Grade 11 and 12 Students
(Click if you are a Grade 11 or 12 student interested in SHSM and ready to join our SHSM program after consultation with your parent/guardian, school guidance counsellor and/or Ms. Chor)