St. Charles College
 Academic Program

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

Purpose and Goals

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs bundles of 8-10 courses that allow students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while getting their high school diploma. Specialist High Skills Majors let students in Grades 11 and 12 focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Program Description

St. Charles College currently has 4 SHSM programs available to students:

SHSM Health & Wellness

Health and Wellness is a Ministry-approved Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program that allows students to focus their learning on health science and wellness while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This 2-year program is offered to grade 11 and 12 students. It includes the study of anatomy, pathology and human development. Those who successfully complete the Health and Wellness program will:

  • Earn nine to ten bundled senior credits
  • Obtain sector-recognized certifications and safety awareness training.
  • Take part in experiential learning opportunities
  • Make use of the Ontario Skills Passport
  • Participate in “Reach Ahead” experiences

Students in the Health and Wellness program can earn sector-recognized certifications and training including:

  • CPR
  • Standard First Aid
  • Infection Control
  • WHMIS training
  • Wilderness First Aid
  • Medical Terminology
  • Leadership
  • Fitness

SHSM Transportation/ Truck and Coach Program

The Specialist High Skills Major Program in Transportation builds a strong foundation for students who wish to move on to further study and training in specialized areas of transportation technology. It provides practical skills for those who wish to move directly into to the workplace.

This program:

  • is offered to grade 11 and 12 students
  • enhances the high school experience with learning outside the classroom
  • provides opportunities to meet with employers and experts in the field
  • enables students to earn sector recognized certification and training
  • provides a diversity that allows for apprenticeship, college, university or workplace destinations
  • provides students with the opportunity to work towards their Level 1 Common Core Heavy Duty

SHSM Business Program

The SHSM in Business is a Ministry approved Specialist High Skills Major program that allows students to focus their learning on business while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This two-year program is offered to grade 11 and 12 students.

Students will:

  • earn nine bundled senior credits
  • obtain sector-recognized certifications and training
  • take part in experiential learning opportunities
  • participate in reach ahead activities
  • network with employers and experts in their chosen field
  • explore and refine career goals
  • make informed decisions regarding post-secondary destinations

SHSM in Sports & Recreation

The SHSM in Sports & Recreation is a Ministry approved Specialist High Skills Major program that allows students to focus their learning on sports and recreation while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This two-year program is offered to grade 11 and 12 students.

Students will:

  • earn nine bundled senior credits
  • obtain sector-recognized certifications and training
  • take part in experiential learning opportunities
  • participate in reach ahead activities
  • network with employers and experts in their chosen field
  • explore and refine career goals
  • make informed decisions regarding post-secondary destinations

E-mail Copied to Clipboard