Specialist High Skills Major

What is a Specialist High Skills Major?

An SHSM is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school.  It also assists in their transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace.

SHSM Programs Offered at GDHS:

  • Construction Technology
  • Transportation Technology
  • Health and Wellness (NEW for September 2024)

***Despite being one of the smallest schools in the board, GDHS has the highest number of students graduating from our Specialist High Skills Major Tech Programs (Construction and Transportation).  

NEW SPECIALIST HIGH SKILLS MAJOR HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR GDHS!

GDHS is happy to announce that we have been approved for another Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) for Health and Wellness! The SHSM for Health and Wellness enables students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace. Students will receive certifications and awareness training, experiential learning opportunities, and sector partnered experiences. We’d like to extend much gratitude and thanks to Dr. Allen for her commitment and time to ensuring this became a reality for our students.

Key Benefits of a Specialist High Skills Major:

Pursuing an SHSM helps students to:

  • Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents
  • Develop specialized knowledge and skills 
  • Earn credits that post-secondary educational institutions and the sector recognize
  • Gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training
  • Develop essential skills and work habits documented through the Ontario Skills Passport
  • Identify, explore and refine career goals and make informed decisions about their future
  • Remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways, should their goals and plans change

How is a Specialist High Skills Major recognized?

Students who successfully complete an SHSM receive:

  • an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with an embossed SHSM red seal
  • an SHSM Record documenting his/her achievement
  • formal recognition on his/her Ontario Student Transcript

Available Apprenticeships in Ontario

Please call one of the GDHS Contacts below for more information.

Transportation Technology - Mr. J. Rops, j.rops@tvdsb.ca
Construction Technology - Mr. J. Periard, j.periard@tvdsb.ca
Health & Wellness - Dr. L. Allen, lauren.allen@tvdsb.ca
Guidance Counsellor - Mr. C. Taylor, christopher.taylor@tvdsb.ca
Or call:  519-287-3310

For more information about Specialist High Skills Major Programs click here

 

Contact Us

© 2023 , 3581 Concession Drive, Glencoe . Tel. 519-287-3310, Fax 519-287-3889, glencoe@tvdsb.ca,  Superintendent: A. Canham,  Trustees: A. Morell  C. Sachs