A diverse array of career opportunities can be found within the Information and Communications Technology sector. Locally, job prospects exist in fields ranging from communication and computer systems, to software and digital media. Graduates of the Specialist High Skills Major Program inInformation and Communications Technology possess the knowledge and skills to pursue any number of these opportunities.
The Information and Communications Technology Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program provides students with the opportunity to specialize their academic studies, earn certifications and qualifications, and plan their career pathway while they are still in high school. The SHSM Program involves a number of components that provide students with a better understanding of theInformation and Communications Technology industry, the opportunities that it offers, and the skills needed for success within the sector.
The Information and Communications Technology SHSM Program consists of five required components:
1. Bundled Credits
Students will complete nine Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits related to their sector of interest, some of which are supplemented with contextualized learning activities (CLA) that frame the subject of study within the context of the Information and Communications Technology sector.
Major Credits Including at least one Grade 11 and one Grade 12 credit | 4 One credit may be substituted with an additional co-operative education credit | 4 One credit may be substituted with an additional co-operative education credit | 4 One credit may be substituted with an additional co-operative education credit | 4 One credit may be substituted with an additional co-operative education credit |
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English (Including a CLA) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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Mathematics (Including a CLA) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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Business or Science (Including a CLA) | 1 One credit may be substituted with an additional co-operative education credit | 1 One credit may be substituted with an additional co-operative education credit | 1 One credit may be substituted with an additional co-operative education credit | 1 One credit may be substituted with an additional co-operative education credit |
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Co-Operative Education | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
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2. Certification and TrainingStudents will earn both compulsory and elective sector-recognized certifications through cost-free workshops and training courses/programs.
Three Compulsory Certifications |
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Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C – Includes AED | Standard First Aid | Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System – Generic |
Three Elective Certifications |
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Advanced Training in a Technique | Basic Electrical Safety | CISCO Networking | Computer Hardware |
Counterfeit Detection | Customer Service | Electronics – Basic | Elevated Work Platforms |
Ergonomics | Health and Safety – Basic | Intellectual Property | Interfacing Equipment |
Internet Security | Leadership Skills | Lighting and Sound Equipment Maintenance | Lockout / Tagout |
Network Cabling | Network Configuration | Photography | Recording Equipment |
Software 1 | Software 2 | Technical Support | Working at Heights |
3. Career ExplorationStudents will explore opportunities in their chosen sector through experiential learning and career exploration activities (field trips, guest speaking engagements, job shadowing).
4. Reach Ahead Experiences
Students will participate in experiences aligned with the student’s post-secondary plans.
5. Sector-Partnered Experience
Students will complete a sector-partnered contextualized learning experience.
SHSM Program Recognition
Students who successfully complete a SHSM program receive:
- An OSSD designated with an embossed red seal;
- A SHSM record documenting their certification/training achievements;
- Formal recognition on their Ontario School Transcript.
Career Pathways
The Communications and Information Technology SHSM Program may be right for you if you are interested in careers similar to the following:
Computer Network Technician Help Desk Technology Support Analyst Telecommunications Installation and Repair Network Cabling Specialist | Audio and Video Recording Technician Broadcast Technician Electronic Service Technician Graphic Designer / Illustrator / Animator Mobile Application Developer User Support Technician Web Designer and Developer |
University | Workplace |
Computer Engineer Computer Programmer Information Systems Analyst Interactive Media Developer Software Engineer and Designer | Desktop Publishing Operator Satellite Dish Installer Retail Salesperson – Technology Telecommunications Cable Installer |
For more information, contact your high school Guidance Counsellor.