​Specialist High Skills Major Program Explained

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a Ministry approved program you can participate in during grade eleven and twelve.

​It is valuable because it shows that you have focused your education toward a particular employment sector.​

Earning the SHSM

1. Complete a bundle of eight to ten grade 11/12 courses focused on a particular employment sector, including two co-op credits.
2. Earn industry recognized certifications and awareness training related to the employment sector.
3. Complete a Sector-Partnered Contextualized Learning Experience. This could be a sector-relevant opportunity related to Coding, Mathematical Literacy, or Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship.
4. Take advantage of Reach Ahead opportunities to connect with the student's post-secondary plans.
5. Participate in sector related Experiential Learning and Career Exploration activities.​

​How Are SHSM Graduates Recognized?

1. Embossed SHSM Seal on Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
2. An​ SHSM Record, recognized by post-secondary institutions and sectors, documenting the courses and experiential learning.
3. SHSM sector recognition on official high school transcript.

SHSM Application Form.pdf