Program Overview

Students develop skills for their future careers, graduate high school with industry certifications and training and earn an SHSM seal on their high school diploma.

To complete an SHSM, students need to:

• complete a specific bundle of 9 courses in the horticulture and landscaping sector
• earn industry certifications like first aid and CPR qualifications
• gain on-the-job skills through cooperative education placements

When students complete an SHSM, they will get:

• a high school diploma with an embossed SHSM seal
• an SHSM record that has details of credit bundle, certifications, placements and other experiences
• formal recognition on their Ontario Student Transcript

Examples of Elective Certifications 

• advanced training in a technique
• advanced training in a technology
• anti-oppression and allyship training
• cash handling and register training
• confined space awareness
• customer service
• edging and trimming
• fall protection
• first aid/CPR/AED awareness
• grading and drainage
• grading and sodding
• herbicide and pesticide
• infection control
• ladder safety training
• land and forest survey skills
• lawn mower use and safety
• leadership skills
• paver installation
• plant layout
• portfolio development
• project management
• pruning
• sector-specific sustainability practices
• sector-specific vehicle operation and safety
• seed saving
• soil classification and testing
• sustainable resource management planning
• tree planting
• weed and pest identification and management
• work orders
• working at heights

Examples of Occupations

• Architects
• Biologists and related scientists
• Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services
• Forestry professionals
• Gardeners
• Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists
• Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers
• Nursery and greenhouse workers
• Other administrative services managers
• Other small engine and small equipment repairers
• Retail salespersons