The SHSM is a specialized, ministry-approved program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

SHSMs assist students in planning their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace. SHSMs provide students with knowledge and experiences that can effectively inform their choices and help them plan for the future. They also engage the student with caring adults – including networks of educators and partners in the community and the sector – who can offer relevant, timely information and support.

These programs enable students to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge in engaging, career-related learning environments, and to prepare in a focused way for graduation and postsecondary education, training, or employment.

Seven Key Benefits for Students

Pursuing an SHSM enables students to:

  1. customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents
  2. develop specialized knowledge and skills that are valued by the sector and postsecondary education institutions
  3. earn credits that are recognized by the sector and postsecondary education institutions
  4. gain sector-specific and career-relevant certification and training
  5. engage in sector-partnered experiences that are relevant to the sector
  6. identify, explore, and refine their career goals and make informed decisions about their postsecondary destination
  7. remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways should their goals and plans change
  8. gain hands-on experience in the sector through cooperative education

About Occupations

Although SHSM programs are sector-specific, many different occupations are available within any given sector. Examples of occupations within each specific sector are provided in the SHSM program descriptions in each sector page, sorted by the type of postsecondary education or training the occupation would normally require.