Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) are Ministry approved pilot programs. Every SHSM must include the following five components, which are outlined in detail in ministry-approved frameworks developed for each area of specialization:
1. A package of 6-12 required credits (the majority earned in Grade 11 and 12 courses) that constitute a pathway to one of four possible destinations: apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace.
The package must include:
- Four credits - called the "major" credits - for courses that provide knowledge and skills closely related to the particular sector of specialization, which are specified in each of the frameworks;
- Three or four additional credits for courses in English and other relevant disciplines (e.g., science, mathematics, or business studies), as specified in each of the frameworks, which include units of study that are customized to the particular sector. Some credits (e.g., English) may be used to meet compulsory credit requirements for the OSSD;
- Two cooperative education credits, which may be used to meet two of the 18 compulsory credit requirements for the OSSD;
- One-half credit for the Grade 10 Career Studies course (which also meets a compulsory half-credit requirement for the OSSD).
2. Compulsory certifications, which are identified in each SHSM framework.
3. Experiential learning through job shadowing, work experience, and a minimum of 2 credits earned through cooperative education.
4. Use of the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) to document demonstration of essential skills and work habits.
5. "Reach ahead" opportunities, which allow students to experience learning in their intended post-secondary destination and which can range from a day of attendance at a college, a university, a workplace experience or to the completion of a dual credit.
