This guide is for school and school board staff who are planning and delivering SHSM programs.

Overview

Students pursuing a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program need reach ahead experiences that connect with their postsecondary plans. These experiences help Grade 11 and 12 students:

  • build confidence in their ability to succeed
  • refine skills and work habits
  • make informed choices about future careers and next steps

Examples of reach ahead experiences

A reach ahead activity could be where the SHSM student:

  • interviews someone who works in a profession they are interested in
  • learns about an apprenticeship program by visiting an approved apprenticeship training delivery agent
  • interviews a college or university student in a program of interest
  • attends a number of college or university classes in their area of interest
  • goes to a conference or workshop held by their SHSM sector
  • completes a dual credit course

Dual credit courses

Dual credit courses count for credit towards both:

  • the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree or Certificate of Apprenticeship

We (the Ministry of Education) fund dual credit courses which have separate approval policies and procedures from the SHSM.

We also maintain an SHSM-approved course list that indicates which dual credits count as major credits for each sector. We send this list to all school boards each year and also post it in the SHSM e-community.   

Find more information about dual credit courses.