Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
Learn how students can graduate from high school with specialized skills, knowledge and certifications relevant to their chosen industry by completing a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM).
About the Specialist High Skills Major
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized high school program that allows students to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and focus their learning on a specific economic sector at the same time.
Students develop skills for their future careers, graduate high school with industry certifications and training and earn an SHSM seal on their high school diploma.
To complete an SHSM, students need to:
- complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in the student’s selected field
- earn industry certifications like first aid and CPR qualifications
- gain on-the-job skills through cooperative education placements
When students complete an SHSM, they will get:
- a high school diploma with an embossed SHSM seal
- an SHSM record that has details of credit bundle, certifications, placements and other experiences
- formal recognition on their Ontario Student Transcript
SHSM programs are available in the following 19 sectors, many of which lead to well-paying skilled trades careers:
- agriculture
- arts and culture
- aviation/aerospace
- business
- construction
- energy
- environment
- food processing
- forestry
- health and wellness
- horticulture and landscaping
- hospitality and tourism
- information and communications technology
- justice, community safety, and emergency services
- manufacturing
- mining
- non-profit, education and child care
- sports
- transportation
Benefits of a Specialist High Skills Major
Pursuing an SHSM can help students:
- tailor their high school education to their interests and talents
- develop specialized knowledge and skills
- explore a variety of careers, including those in the skilled trades
- gain sector-recognized certifications
- get career-relevant training
- engage in STEM-related activities that develop innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship
- identify, explore and refine career goals
- make informed decisions about their future
Find an SHSM program
SHSM programs are available in all publicly funded school boards with high schools in Ontario.
Find SHSM programs by sector offered for the current school year.
Resources for school boards and educators
Find information on how to plan and implement an SHSM program, including:
- policy and program requirements
- how to implement and organize an SHSM program
- tools and resources for teachers and administrators
Read the Specialist High Skills Major policy and implementation guide now.