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 this video for more information.
Once you have spoken with your guidance counsellor or a SHSM lead teacher, you can apply. They will be able to provide you with the application 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
- Arts & Culture
- Hospitality
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
Contact Information
Ms. Suzanne Sabo Mann
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
Contact Information
Mr. Chris Succi
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SHSM
Description
You can find more information on the ICT SHSM by viewing this brochure:
Ministry of Education Reference
Contact Information
Ms. Natalia Kaisar or Mr. Shady Haddad
kaisarn@hcdsb.org or haddads2@stfxavier.ca
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 & curators | Producers and directors | Film & video camera operator |
| Audio & video recording technicians | Set design | Artisan and craftsperson |
| Graphic artist, designer, and illustrator | Musician | Singer |
| Interior design & decoration | Tattoo Artist | Broadcast technician |
| Performer | Conductor or composer | Architect |
| Photographer | Actor or Comedian | Cake decorator |
| Art director | Announcer or broadcaster | Makeup artist |
Contact Information
Mrs. Caruana-Darling
Ms. Bartlett
HOSPITALITY SHSM
Description
The Hospitality SHSM provides students with the opportunity to specialize, gain industry-recognized certifications, and plan career pathways in the diverse and growing field of hospitality. Students develop essential skills through a combination of classroom learning, cooperative education, and practical experiences that prepare them for post-secondary education, apprenticeships, and direct entry into the workplace. The program fosters a strong foundation in hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts, equipping students to pursue careers in these dynamic sectors.
Students will focus on career pathways including:
- Chef/Cook
- Pastry Chef
- Baker
- Restaurant Owner
- Catering Manager
- Sous Chef
- Food and Beverage Manager
- Culinary Instructor
The program includes:
- A bundle of major credits, including four hospitality credits, one English credit, one mathematics credit, one science or business studies credit, and two co-op credits.
- Certifications such as Standard First Aid, CPR (Level C with AED), WHMIS, Customer Service, Food Handler Certification, and more.
- Reach Ahead experiences including visits to apprenticeship training agents, colleges, and workplaces in the hospitality sector.
- Experiential learning through job shadowing, skills competitions, trade shows, and community events.
Contact Information
Carlo Pedulla
pedullac@hcdsb.org
Roberto Leone
Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM)