Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM)

The Specialist High Skills Major Program (SHSM) at the Halton Catholic District School Board allows students to receive credits towards their secondary school. Please see the link for more information https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1TjqCVppwk

Click here to view the Presentation Slideshow from the Info session held on February 24, 2021: Link

Why complete a SHSM?

Program Overview

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. Check out http://www.haltonpathways.ca for more information.

Our school offers SHSM Programs in the following sectors:

  • Business
  • Fitness and Sports Leadership
  • Information & Communications Technology
  • First Responders Services

The SHSM program has a number of required components, designed to help prepare the students for their post secondary Pathways. Components include:

  • Bundled Credits: 4 major credits in grade 11 or 12, 3 supporting credits in the context of the sector
  • Contextualized Learning Activities
  • Certifications and Awareness Training (WHMIS, FIRST AID, CPR, LEADERSHIP…)
  • Experiential Learning Opportunities
  • Job-shadowing, job twinning, and work experience
  • Minimum of 2 cooperative education credits linked to a major course
  • Field trips, other workplace experienced for students to explore careers related to the sector
  • Documentation of Essential Skills and Work Habits through the Ontario Skills Passport
  • Reach Ahead Experiences: Visiting colleges and universities, dual credit programs…

The SHSM Experience

  • Gain an awareness of career opportunities in a chosen sector
  • Participate in workshops and sessions with industry professionals
  • Build their resume for job applications and post secondary applications
  • Develop transferable skills compatible with multiple pathways to all post-secondary destinations

SHSM Program Information


BUSINESS SHSM

Description

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in Business gives students an opportunity to specialize, gain qualifications, and plan a career pathway in various areas of the Business sector while still in high school. The SHSM Program has a number of required components, designed to give students a “head start” to pursue post-secondary opportunities in each of the identified sectors, valuing apprenticeship, college, university and direct entry into the world of work. Business education helps our young people build their confidence, express their individuality, creativity and improve how well they learn other school subjects. Studies show that students who participate in Business education can develop math, literacy and writing skills with increased proficiency. This SHSM will focus on career pathways including:

Accountant/ Auditor
Marketing Brand Manager
Consultant
Entrepreneurship / Small Business Owner
Event Planning & Hospitality
Finance
Human Resources Specialist
Supply Chain Manager
Medical and Health Services Manager
Market Research Analyst
Real Estate Agent
Retail
Sales
Fundraiser Manager

You can find more information on the Business SHSM by viewing the STFX Business Fact Sheet located here: 

Ministry of Education Reference

Click Here

Contact Information

Ms. Suzanne Sabo Mann

sabomanns@hcdsb.org


FITNESS AND SPORTS LEADERSHIP SHSM

Description

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in Sports Leadership, Fitness, Performance and Promotion gives students an opportunity to specialize, gain qualifications, and plan a career pathway in various areas of the Sport sector while still in high school. The SHSM Program has a number of required components, designed to give students a “head start” to pursue post-secondary opportunities in each of the identified sectors, valuing apprenticeship, college, university and direct entry into the world of work. The Sports sector offers students the opportunity to follow their passion for sports performance, recreational studies, the industry of sport including marketing, management and event planning, as well as athletic treatment and preparation.

This SHSM will focus on potential career pathways:

Sports Agent
Athlete
Coach
Fitness Instruction
Sport/Team Management
Broadcasting
Sport Team Trainer
Sports Administration
Nutrionist
Personal Trainer
Recreation and Leisure Services
Sport Conditioning
Physical Education Teacher
Sport Journalism
Dietitian
Sport Psychology
Sport Marketing
Kinesiologist
Health and Wellness
Events Coordinator
Athletic Therapist
Sports Officials and Referees
Recreation/Outdoor Sport Instructor

Ministry of Education Reference

Click Here

Contact Information

Mr. Chris Succi

succic@hcdsb.org


INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SHSM

Description

You can find more information on the ICT SHSM by viewing this brochure:

Ministry of Education Reference

Click Here

Contact Information

Ms. Natalia Kaisar or Mr. Shady Haddad

kaisarn@hcdsb.org or haddads2@stfxavier.ca


FIRST RESPONDERS SERVICES SHSM

Description

Events such as ice storms, terrorist attacks, SARS and COVID outbreaks as well as wildfires have raised the public and governments recognition of emergency planning and preparedness. Ontario now has some of the most rigorous community safety legislation in North America, and since 9/11, governments, NGO’s and private enterprise have all greatly enhanced their efforts to ensure the public’s safety and security. With these efforts have come various new programs and significant staffing increases within the sector. This SHSM will focus on the careers pathways such as:

Air traffic controller
Animal Control Officer
Animal Service Worker
Body Guard
Court Recorder/Clerk
Corrections Officer
Criminologist
Emergency Services Dispatcher 
Firefighter
Military
Officer
Probation Officer
Police Officer
Paramedic
Security Manager
Soldier
Youth Corrections Worker

Ministry of Education Reference

Click Here

Contact Information

Ms. Holly Roberts

robertsh@hcdsb.org


Arts & Culture SHSM 

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in Arts & Culture gives students an opportunity to specialize, gain qualifications, and plan a career pathway in various areas within the arts sector. Participating in this SHSM offers students opportunities to get inspired and use their unique skills and abilities to explore visual arts, drama and performance, technical theatre, media arts, design, dance, and music. Students who are interested in the arts have the opportunity to engage in authentic learning experiences that will be an asset for a future career in the arts. 

To learn more, visit our website: www.sites.google.com/stfxavier.ca/artscultureshsm 

Careers in Arts & Culture

Conservators & curatorsProducers and directorsFilm & video camera operator
Audio & video recording techniciansSet designArtisan and craftsperson
Graphic artist, designer, and illustratorMusicianSinger
Interior design & decorationTattoo ArtistBroadcast technician
PerformerConductor or composerArchitect
PhotographerActor or ComedianCake decorator
Art directorAnnouncer or broadcasterMakeup artist

Contact Information

Mrs. Caruana-Darling

caruana-darlingk@hcdsb.org 

Ms. Bartlett

bartlettka@hcdsb.org 

De Franco, RobSpecialist High Skills Majors (SHSM)