“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” That quote from Benjamin Franklin captures the essence of the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM). It’s not just about learning—it’s about doing. So, how exactly does it work?

Let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of this game-changing program.

1. It All Starts with Courses—Lots of Them!

Every SHSM student completes a bundle of 8-10 courses during grades 11 and 12, tailored to their selected sector. But these aren’t just any courses—they’re customized. If you’re passionate about business, for example, you’ll take business-related courses that tie directly into your future career path. Love health and wellness? The program will focus your learning there. 

SHSM students aren’t stuck in generic classes. They’re zeroing in on what matters most to their future.

2. Co-op: Real-World Experience, Right Now

Here’s where SHSM gets real. One of the most exciting parts of the program is the cooperative education (co-op) placement. It’s not just theory anymore—it’s hands-on. You spend time working in a professional setting that directly aligns with your sector. For example, if you’re in an arts and culture SHSM, you could be interning at a theater or gallery. If construction’s your thing, you’ll be on-site, learning the ropes of the trade.

Most students opt for a two-credit co-op, which means a big chunk of your day is spent gaining on-the-job experience. And if you want even more, you can explore summer co-ops, college co-op programs (CCEP), or even OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program). The bottom line? You get to try out your future career now while still in high school.

3. Certifications: Get the Skills that Matter

Ever heard of getting certifications in high school? SHSM makes it possible. Along the way, students earn sector-recognized certifications that hold weight in the real world. Think CPR, First Aid, WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), or Customer Service certifications. These are serious credentials you can put on a résumé, making you stand out from other students.

The best part? SHSM takes care of the details. The training sessions often take place off-site, transportation is covered, and yes, lunch is usually included!

4. Sector Partnered Experience: Solving Real Challenges

Here’s where SHSM really shines: the Sector Partnered Experience (SPE). This isn’t just a school project. You get to work with real professionals in your chosen field on a 6-hour challenge. Maybe it’s an I.C.E. (Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship) Challenge Day, or maybe you’re tackling a coding or mathematics activity specific to your sector. 

This is more than just sitting in a room and listening. You’ll be working alongside experts, applying your knowledge, and creating solutions to real-world problems.

5. Reach Ahead Experiences: Preparing for What’s Next

SHSM goes beyond just prepping you for today—it’s about what comes next. Through Reach Ahead experiences, students get a taste of what postsecondary life will be like. Whether it’s a university tour, a visit to a college, or shadowing a professional in the field, Reach Ahead experiences help students envision their future beyond high school. 

You’re not just dreaming about it—you’re seeing it in action.

What Do You Get When You Complete SHSM?

By the end of your SHSM journey, you’re not walking away with just another high school diploma. You get the full package:

- A high school diploma with an embossed SHSM seal.

- A SHSM record, detailing your credit bundle, certifications, and co-op experiences.

- Formal recognition on your Ontario Student Transcript.

This isn’t just a stamp of completion—it’s proof that you’ve gone the extra mile.

19 Sectors to Choose From

Whether you’re interested in aviation, agriculture, sports, or technology, there’s an SHSM for you. With 19 sectors to choose from, ranging from healthcare to business, SHSM is as diverse as your interests. You’re not just learning broadly—you’re getting sector-specific knowledge and skills that will directly apply to your future.

The SHSM Formula: Personalized, Hands-On, and Future-Focused

SHSM is about customizing your education. You’re not taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, you’re developing a tailored skillset, gaining certifications that matter, and building connections that can jumpstart your career.

It’s education with purpose—designed to ensure students walk out of high school ready to tackle the next chapter of their lives. From hands-on work experience to sector-specific certifications, SHSM ensures you’re not just educated but prepared.

That’s how SHSM works. And it works brilliantly.

For more information, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/specialist-high-skills-major