Business SHSM @ NACI

A SHSM is a Ministry approved specialized program where students can focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). NACI’s Business SHSM is the first in our Learning Network of TDSB schools. We offer students in Grades 11 and 12 the opportunity to explore a sector-specific area or career of interest and to acquire the skills and experience that will assist them in their post-secondary pathway:

• Apprenticeship training
• College
• University
• Workplace

Why Apply ? 

This amazing learning opportunity is available for any student in any pathway. This program is at no extra cost - it is a Ministry of Education funded program. Also, by participating in the NACI Business SHSM program, students will be able to: 

• Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents,
• Develop specialized knowledge and skills that are valued by the sector-specific industry they wish to pursue and postsecondary education institutions
• Earn credits that are recognized by the sector and postsecondary education institutions
• Gain sector-specific and career-relevant certification and training

• Engage in sector-partnered experiences that are relevant to their interests and talents
• Identify, explore, and refine their career goals and make informed decisions about their postsecondary destination

• Shift between pathways should their goals and plans change
• Participate in valuable, funded training and certification opportunities that build their resume and post secondary applications

Program Requirements 

NACI's Business SHSM consist of 5 components that students will complete throughout Grades 11 and 12. Please review the program requirements listed below. For any questions, please see Ms. Decoste (103) or Ms. Koutsaris (208). 

1. Bundle of Credits over grade 11 and 12

• 4 Subject Major Credits
• English & Math Credits
• 2-Credit Co-op Course with a placement tied to the Business Sector

2. Certification and Training

All SHSM programs require 6-8 sector-recognized certification of training courses. 

Compulsory Certifications:

• Standard First Aid 
• CPR level C
• WHMIS
• Customer Service

Elective Certifications:

Selected from options provided by the Ministry of Education.

*These certifications will be available throughout the program and will be shared with students to sign up. 

3. Experiential Learning and Career Exploration Activity

Students learn about the opportunities available to them in careers that interest them (i.e., Skills Canada competition, job shadowing and career fair/panel conference). They do this thorugh experiential learning and career exploration activities to explore, observe, participate in and reflect on a variety of sector-specific experiences and careers.

4. Reach Ahead Experience 

Students must attend at least one of the following learning experiences that are connected with the student’s post-secondary plan: 

• Attending a conference/workshop
• Touring a post-secondary institution
• Completing a Dual Credit course, etc.

5. Sector-Partner Contextualized Experience (SPCE) 

SPE activities are experiential activities co-delivered with a sector partner. They provide students with the opportunity to gain insight into the relationship between their sector program and how Innovation/Creativity/Entrepreneurship (ICE) are used within the business sector.