A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) 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.

There are 5 components for a SHSM:

• bundle of credits
• sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses
• experiential learning activities within the sector
• "reach ahead" experiences connected with the student's chosen post-secondary pathway
• development of key essential skills and work habits required in the sector, and the use of the Ontario Skills Passport for purposes of documentation

To obtain a diploma with the Specialist High Skills Major designation, a student must complete five components. These components provide a rich and varied range of curriculum-based and experiential learning experiences as a foundation for making a successful transition to a postsecondary destination of choice.

Please view below the list of schools in Bluewater District School Board offering SHSM programs. If you would like more information on any of the programs offered, you are encouraged to contact the school.