Our Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program will allow students to major in Construction Technology and Communications Technology by taking a variety of courses leading to the SHSM.

We will be working with Georgian College to offer our students enriched opportunities in the field of construction and communications along with the opportunity to obtain sector recognized certifications.

These opportunities will place our students at the forefront in the Construction and Communications Technology Industries.

Quick SHSM Fact Sheet (click here)

New Skills Trade Poster (click here)

Construction SHSM Pathway (click here)

Communications Pathway (click here)

SHSM Sign up forms (click here)

5 COMPONENTS OF SPECIALIST HIGH SKILLS MAJOR (SHSM)
• a bundle of 8 - 10 credits, specializing in the industry or sector of the student’s choice
• sector-recognized certification and training
• experiential learning activities
• “reach ahead” experiences
• development of essential skills linked to the student’s desired career, *using the Ontario Skills Passport

VALUE TO STUDENT OF AN SHSM
• allows for a customized education that caters to traditionally academic and non-academic students equally (while meeting
the requirements of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD))
• sector-specific knowledge and skills are valued by the sector and post-secondary institutions
• increased retention rate of students both in and after secondary school:
• students re-engage in secondary school once they see the link between the outside world (ie. their desired career
sector) and the classroom
• college registrars see a SHSM designation on the application as an indication of interest in and commitment to a
sector, which directly translates into increased student retention at the post-secondary level

BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS
• employers receive students that have specialized training and experience in their area immediately following secondary
school (in some cases)
• new employees come with relevant certifications, eg. First Aid/CPR or Health and Safety training which will reduce the
initial training costs to the employers
• employers may deal with less employee turnover, since a student with a SHSM has a demonstrated and proven
interest in that area

BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY
• there is a growing shortage of workers in some sectors of the economy in Ontario; the SHSM program addresses that
need directly
• Ontario schools no longer operate on the “one size fits all” basis; more students’ needs are being met