
What is SHSM
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized program approved by the Ministry of Education that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
These programs enable students to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge in engaging, career-related learning environments, and prepare in a focused way for graduation and postsecondary education, training or employment.


Why take SHSM
Pursuing a SHSM enables students to:
• Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents
• Develop specialized knowledge and skills that are valued by the sector and postsecondary education institutions
• Earn credits that are recognized by the sector and postsecondary education institutions
• Acquire sector-specific and career-relevant certification and training
• Gain confidence in their knowledge of the SHSM Sector
• Identify, explore and refine their career goals and make informed decisions about their postsecondary destination
• Remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways
RCCDSB Schools:


Bishop Smith Catholic High School
362 Carmody Street Pembroke, ON K8A 4G2 613-735-5496
View SHSM offered here5 Program Components of SHSM
- Bundle of Gr. 11 & 12 Courses
- Certifications
- Reach Ahead Opportunities
- Cooperative Education
- Sector Specific Partnered Experiences in Math, Coding or ICE (Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship)
These requirements provide the curriculum-based and experiential learning experiences for making a successful transition to a student’s chosen pathway.
