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Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

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​​​​​​​​​​​What is SHSM?

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program allows high school students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector where they gain sector-specific skills.​

Why Take SHSM at your high school?

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized program approved by the Ministry of Education that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

These programs enable students to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge in engaging, career-related learning environments, and prepare in a focused way for graduation ​and postsecondary education, training or employment.

5 SHSM Program Components​

Together, these requirements provide the curriculum-based and experiential learning experiences for making a successful transition to a student’s chosen pathway.

  • Bundle of Gr. 11 & 12 Courses
  • Certifications
  • Reach Ahead Opportunities
  • Cooperative Education
  • Sector Specific Partnered Experiences in Math, Coding or ICE (Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship)

Key Benefits for Students

Pursuing a SHSM enables students to:

  • Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents
  • Develop specialized knowledge and skills that are valued by the sector and postsecondary education institutions
  • Earn credits that are recognized by the sector and postsecondary education institutions
  • Acquire sector-specific and career-relevant certification and training
  • Gain confidence in their knowledge of the SHSM Sector
  • Identify, explore and refine their career goals and make informed decisions about their postsecondary destination
  • Remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways​

Learn more about  S​​peciality High Skills Major Programs through Halton Pathways .​


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Burlington, Ontario, L7P 5A8

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