Marketing, Sales and Service

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) offers career-focused learning in different sectors while working towards your Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

We offer SHSM programs in many sectors, including:

• Hospitality and Tourism

• Business

Students in the SHSM program:

• Build sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating.

• Learn more about a wide variety of careers in the sector. 

• Earn industry-specific certifications.

It has five components:

1. Required credits. Students take credits that provide sector-specific knowledge and cooperative education credits. 

2. Sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses/programs.

3. Experiential learning and career exploration activities. This could include job shadowing, work or volunteer experience, attendance at a trade show, etc.

4. Reach ahead experiences that let students explore their chosen pathway. This could include interviewing someone in the profession or visiting a class, for example.

5. Sector-partnered experiences.

Students in Dual Credits take college or apprenticeship courses that count towards both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or apprenticeship certification.

The York Region District School Board, in partnership with local colleges, offers many dual credit courses for Grade 11 and 12 students. 

Students at any YRDSB secondary school can apply to register for a dual credit. Speak with your guidance counsellor for more information.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program. Students in the program:

• explore and gain training in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program. 

• can become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas. 

There are over 150+ skilled trades (PDF) to choose from. 

Students at any YRDSB secondary school can apply to participate in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.

Exploring Opportunities Programs (EOP) are specialized regional programs that allow students to focus on developing a high skill level in a particular technology. ​

These programs include both in-school and work-based experiences, such as job shadowing / job twinning, work experience and/or cooperative education. 

The focus is on skills training and the development of work habits and essential skills. These programs may provide additional certification for students in apprenticeship and skills certification programs. In addition this specialized program may provide the foundation for a student interested in SHSM programming.

An EOP student can also take part in the Specialist High Skills Major program and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.

EOP is available at specific secondary schools with focus on specific sectors.

There are many opportunities to earn credits, explore pathways and gain experience during the summer months, including secondary summer school,  secondary pathway programs and more.

Learn more about summer learning opportunities.