The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program is a Ministry of Education-approved program that allows students to focus their learning in a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
At Markville Secondary School we offer our students opportunities to get a SHSM designation in the following five sectors:
Students interested in careers in any of the above sectors would greatly benefit from this program.
There are four components to completing a SHSM program.
ourse work – All students will need to complete a series of 8-10 credits at the senior level (see below for details).
Sector Recognized Certifications – All students need to complete a minimum of six certifications, some of which are mandatory and others are elective.
Participation in experiential learning activities within the sector.
“Reach Ahead” experiences to allow students to explore post high school opportunities.
Students who successfully complete this program will receive a SHSM designation, in addition to their OSSD. This SHSM specialist certification will be recognized by employers, colleges and universities and may increase career opportunities, as it can be identified on resumes and in Post-Secondary supplementary applications.
How does it work?
Students apply to be in the SHSM program while in grade 10 with the program starting in their grade 11 year. It is a two-year commitment in Gr 11 & 12 that combines:
4 major compulsory credits
2 or 3 complementary elective courses
a 2 credit cooperative education placement
earning at least six sector-specific certifications
participation in “Reach Ahead”
experiential learning opportunities
To identify courses linked to each sector, please click on the sector-specific buttons at the top of this page. Policy documents for each of the five SHSM programs offered at Markville Secondary School can be found on the Ministry of Ontario Website.