Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM)

The Specialist High Skills Major is a program which gives students a focus in their senior high school years that leads to all post-secondary destinations (apprenticeship, college, university, and work). A student must take two Grade 11 and two Grade 12 courses in a specialized area, and a co-operative education course. It also involves contextualized units in Math and English where the focus is in the specific sector.

Students will also have the opportunity to explore experiential learning and reach ahead activities such as field trips, competitions, etc. At the conclusion of the program, students will receive a special Red Seal diploma and transcript as evidence of their completion of a Specialist High Skills Major. Click on the link for more information.

All SHSM programs require co-op.  If you are planning to take co-op in the upcoming year, please complete the online application form.

Our school offers SHSM courses in the following sectors:

Fitness and Health Promotion 

Fitness Health Promotion SHSM Program Package


Art and Design

Downloads

Art & Design SHSM Application 2023-2025 (Google Drive)

Contact Information

Contact Ms. K. Michiels for more information.


Business Leadership

The Corpus Christi Business Leadership SHSM will enable students to earn a SHSM Seal while building a foundation of sector-focused business knowledge and skills before graduation and entering apprenticeship training, college, university or an entry-level position in the workplace. The requirements of this SHSM are unique and geared to the Business sector, giving each member a variety of experiential learning and career exploration activities.  

PDF Downloads

Contact Information

Contact Mrs. K. Sandhu for more information.

Follow us on Instagram @cc.horns.business


Environmental Science

PDF Downloads

Contact Information

Contact Ms. Ambroszkiewicz (AmbroszkiewiczL@hcdsb.org) for more information.


SHSM Scholarships (from 2022/23)

List of Scholarships and participating institutions from last year.

View list


Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

High school students do a cooperative education experience in any of the 144 skilled trades. Co-op in a skilled trade is OYAP! This can happen in Grade 11, Grade 12 and/or as a Returning Grade 12. All OYAP programs are free to students.

This is an excellent way to gain skills and experience in a skilled trade while in high school. There is also the possibility of getting a Registered Training Agreement with the co-op employer, and these hours may count towards the required hours for the apprenticeship.

All OYAP participants earn a certificate, gain important skills that can be added to a resume, and may receive required safety equipment for their co-op placement.

Regular OYAP

This program allows you to explore a skilled trade through co-operative education. There may be an opportunity in Regular OYAP to sign a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) which means you are an apprentice while in high school!

Concentrated OYAP

This program happens at a school that has technological education and cooperative education. The combination of these two classes is a powerful way to get the practical and theoretical knowledge that employers look for. Concentrated OYAP participants will receive trade specific training and certifications that are excellent additions to a resume.
There may be an opportunity in Regular OYAP to sign a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) which means you are an apprentice while in high school!

More information on OYAP, apprenticeships and SHSM can be found in the PDF linked below.

De Franco, RobSpecialist High Skills Majors (SHSM)