Specialist High Skills Major Opportunities

What is a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)?

A specialist High Skills Major is a Ministry approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and assists in their training, college, university, or the workplace. An SHSM enables students to gain sector specific skills and knowledge in the context of engaging, career-related learning environments and helps them focus on graduation and on pursuing their post secondary goals. Kernahan Park Secondary School Offers SHSM in Transportation and Construction.

The Five Components of a SHSM

1. A bundle of 9 Grade 11 and 12 credits that includes:

• Four credits that provide sector specific knowledge and skills;
• Three other required credits in English, Math and Science;
• Two Cooperative education credits that provide authentic learning experiences in a workplace setting, enabling students to refine, extend, apply, and practice sector- specific knowledge and skills .

Allowing students to customize their education to suit their interests, talents and future goals!

2. Four Sector Recognized Certifications (compulsory)

• First Aide
• CPR
• WHMIS
• Heath and Safety - (basic)

3. Experential Learning Activities within the sector

Experiential learning consists of planned learning experiences that take place outside of the traditional classroom setting. Credits in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) framework must include experiential learning opportunities for students so they can connect their learning in school to work in the sector.

4. "Reach ahead" experiences

Students in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program have opportunities for learning experiences directly related to their desired postsecondary destination. 

5. Development of Essential Skills and Work Habits

The Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) Work Plan is used to identify and track students' demonstration of essential skills and work habits during their work experiences in their sector, and to plan further skill development.

Kernahan Park Secondary School Offers SHSM in

Transportation and Construction