A high school experience designed around your interests. Earn courses, on-the-job experience and industry credentials.
SHSM is a way to shape your high school experience around a career area or specialization that interests you, while earning your Ontario Secondary School Diploma and keeping your options open.
What does the program look like?
SHSM students:
- Complete a bundle of 8-10 Grade 11 and 12 courses connected to a career sector (these courses also count towards your diploma).
- Build skills and gain on-the-job experience through at least two cooperative education credits.
- Earn industry certifications and training, such as first aid, CPR, customer service, electrical safety, infection control and more.
- Take part in hands-on events and learning experiences with professionals in the field
Explore the criteria for the career sector that interests you to see what learning and experiences are included:
- arts and culture
- business
- construction
- energy
- environment
- health and wellness
- horticulture and landscaping
- hospitality and tourism
- information and communications technology
- justice, community safety and emergency services
- manufacturing
- non-profit
- sports
- transportation
What are the benefits?
- Customize their secondary school education to their interests and talents.
- Develop specialized knowledge and skills valued by the sector and post-secondary education institutions.
- Acquire sector-specific and career relevant certification and training.
- Identify, explore and refine career goals.
- Remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways
In addition to the experience, skills and certifications, students who complete an SHSM receive:
- an embossed SHSM seal on your Ontario Secondary School Diploma
- an official record of your credit bundle, certifications, placements and other experiences
- formal recognition on your transcript
These show employers and post-secondary institutions the certifications and experience you have gained. They can be used to:
- Boost post-secondary applications (SHSM certification and completed training can be used as evidence in supplementary applications).
- Enhance resumes and portfolios with on-the-job experience and certifications.
- Provide scholarship opportunities - some post-secondary institutions offer scholarship opportunities specifically for students who have completed an SHSM.
Learn more about some of the experiences that have been offered to SHSM students
Who is SHSM for?
SHSM is open to all students in Grades 11 and 12, whether you’re thinking about:
- apprenticeship
- college
- university
- going straight into the workforce.
SHSM may be a good fit for you if you want to:
- Explore a career path or your interests.
- Get a head start on industry-recognized training and certifications.
- Build transferable skills and gain on-the-job experience
The program is flexible, with the option to shift between pathways, if your goals or plans change.
If you want to learn more or want to know if SHSM is right for you, speak to your Guidance Counselor.
Where are SHSMs offered?
SHSM is offered at all YRDSB secondary schools. Each school offers different career sectors. From arts and business to health, transportation and more students can explore a range of sectors. Find out what SHSM is offered at your school.
How and when do I apply?
Students can apply when they’re in Grade 10 or 11.
Interested? Connect with your guidance department and complete the SHSM application form.
Explore your options
For more information
For more information contact your Guidance Counsellor or visit Ontario.ca/SHSM or watch this video below.
Frequently Asked Questions
All credits earned in an SHSM program count towards the completion of a standard OSSD. Any certifications or training gained will hold a student in good stead for part-time jobs or work placements. Co-op is a valuable experience, allowing a student to discover what they like doing and just as importantly, what they don’t like doing.
Employers and post-secondary institutions recognize that a student has participated in specialized, career-focused programming. SHSM students receive an additional transcript outlining their accomplishments, including certifications and experience.