Specialist High Skills Major

What is a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)?

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized program that allows students to gain credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and focus their learning on a specific economic sector at the same time. The SHSM is a Ministry of Education approved program.

Students receive the SHSM seal on their diploma when they:

• complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in the student's selected field
• earn industry certifications like first aid and CPR qualifications
• gain important skills on the job through cooperative education placements

All KPR high schools offer multiple SHSM programs. Please contact the guidance department at your student's high school to find out which programs are currently being offered. Examples of different programs offered throughout KPR include:

• Arts and culture
• Business
• Construction
• Environment
• Health and wellness
• Hospitality and tourism
• Information and communication technology
• Manufacturing
• Sports
• Transportation