The Specialist High Skills Major is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and assists in their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace. The SHSM program enables students to gain sector specific skills and knowledge in the context of engaging career related learning environments and helps them focus on graduation and on pursuing their postsecondary goals. (Ontario Ministry of Education, SHSM Fact Sheet, 2007).
Richmond Green Secondary School has been selected by the Ministry of Education to offer a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in:
These programs are open to students enrolled in grades 11 and 12 students with career interests in these industries.
Successful students will need to complete the following criteria to receive their SHSM certification:
- Bundled credits: A defined bundle of credits consisting of eight to 10 Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits, including 2 cooperative education credits.
- Certification and training: Sector-recognized certifications and training courses and programs
- Experiential learning and career exploration activities: Experiential learning and career exploration activities within the sector
- Reach ahead experiences: Learning experiences connected with the student’s postsecondary plans
- Essential Skills and work habits: Development of Essential Skills and work habits required in the sector, recorded using the tools in the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP)