What is a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)?
Students explore a career path that matches their skills, interests and talents while earning a Specialist Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Who is it for?
Grade 11 and 12 students can upgrade their OSSD while they try out a sector that interests them and see if it is the direction they want to take.
What are the key benefits of SHSM?
- Build Relevant Industry skills;
- Industry Recognized Certifications at no cost;
- Authentic Experiential Learning with Industry partners;
- Reach Ahead Opportunities (Dual Credit, OYAP);
- Innovation, Creativity, Entrepreneurship Opportunities; and
- Receive recognition for your accomplishments
What are the SHSM program requirements?
Students receive the Specialist seal on their diploma when they:
- complete a specific bundle of 7-9 credits (including 2 in Coop);
- earn valuable industry sector recognized certifications (compulsory & electives);
- gain important skills on the job through cooperative education placements.
What is the registration process?
Students who wish to enroll in a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program can do so through this SHSM Supplementary Option Sheet. Please contact your Guidance Counsellor to know about SHSM opportunities and for help with registration.
SHSM programs have limited enrolment. Students will be admitted on a priority basis in the following order:
- Homeschool;
- Neighbouring schools; and
- Remaining schools in the OCDSB.
It is possible for students to attend a SHSM host school for one semester, and then return to their home school to complete diploma requirements. Transportation will be provided.
SHSM Sector: Not for Profit
From evidence-based decision making on pandemic response measures, to environmental stewardship, artificial intelligence, digital marketing and quantum computing, data has become the new currency of today’s economy. But what does “good” data look like? Where does it come from and how do we use it? Students participating in the Applied Research SHSM will gain hands-on research experience as they develop the skills necessary to participate in the knowledge economy of tomorrow. Over the course of two years, students will be empowered to pursue their interests through an interdisciplinary research program that builds competencies in project management, secondary research analysis, research design, methods, data collection and management, ethical research practices and communication. Working alongside leading researchers within their fields, students complete this program by designing and executing a primary research project on a topic of their choosing.
Hands-on experiences may include:
- mentor researchers within student's fields of interest;
- research design, methods, data collection and management;
- ethical research practices and communication;
- primary research project.
Lead Teacher: Mr. Middleton michaelj.middleton@ocdsb.ca
Video Trailer
SHSM Sector: Aviation and Aerospace
The ever-changing nature of aviation and aerospace, the complexity of supply chain dynamics, and the accelerated pace of change in the aerospace sector provide a variety of career opportunities for OCDSB students. Lisgar Collegiate Institute’s Aviation and Aerospace SHSM is a unique program that features a month-long cooperative education experience at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. At the museum, students will not only be immersed in Canada's rich aviation history but also take part in experiential learning activities related to Canada's modern aviation and aerospace industry.
Hands-on experiences may include:
- building flight simulators and controllers;
- air ambulance simulations;
- space exploration simulations;
- conservation of heritage pieces at the museum;
- workshops with experts from the aviation and aerospace industry;
- field trips to air shows, airports, military bases, and industry partners in Ontario and Québec.
Participants will develop a full range of transferable skills and participate in learning experiences that will prepare them for a career in the aviation and aerospace world.
Lead Teacher: Mr. Tang robert.tang@ocdsb.ca
Video Trailer
Lisgar Aviation And Aerospace SHSM Presentation April 2024