Specialist High Skills Major Programs

SHSM General Information
Specialist High Skills Majors provide students with a career area focus for their studies in Grades 11 and 12. They provide a pathway to each post secondary destination. The Major consists of a bundled package of related courses which contain learnings related to a career area. Students gain work experience through cooperative education placements. Students also acquire industry related training and certification. Each Major has built in “Reach Ahead” opportunities connecting the student to post secondary destinations.
Learn more about the Specialist High Skills Major programs offered in Halton
Arts & Culture (Arts & Culture SHSM)
This Major is of interest to students who would like to make the performing and visual arts a focus for Grades 11 and 12. The program activities will make use of a 350 seat industry standard professional theatre, a new multifunctional dance studio and state of the art music rooms.
Learn more about the Arts & Culture program
B.E.S.T. Business & Entrepreneurial Skills Training (Business SHSM)
The BEST program is designed for 16-21 year olds who are interested in gaining valuable experience in the fields of marketing, accounting and entrepreneurship, and may be thinking about starting their own businesses.
Learn more about the BEST program
Bronte Creek Project (Environment SHSM)
The Bronte Creek Project (BCP) is a semester long environmental education program for senior high school students that enables students to become effective environmental leaders.
Learn more about the Bronte Creek Project
Business Studies (Business SHSM)
Are you passionate about business? Want to be engaged in authentic business experiences beyond the classroom? Thinking about a career in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Management, Economics, or Information and Communications Technology? The Business SHSM is the answer to these questions and more.
Learn more about the Business Studies program
Community Safety & Emergency Services (Community Safety & Emergency Services SHSM)
The Community Safety & Emergency Services Specialist High Skills Major is designed to give students the opportunity to gain both theoretical and practical experience in the field/sector of Community Safety & Emergency Services. There are many services branches that students can prepare for these include: Fire, Law Enforcement, Medical, Military, and Social.
Learn more about the Community Safety & Emergency Services program
Construction/Tech Design (Construction SHSM)
The Construction/Tech Design Specialist High Skills Major is an innovative, integrated Architectural Design and Building Construction program that allows the student to progress through the construction process from the design and drawing stage, to the actual construction of a variety of structures.
Learn more about the Construction/Tech Design program
Manufacturing SHSM
The manufacturing Major introduces students to skilled trades and professional areas such as engineering, technologist, millwright, machinist, tool and die, and welder. Students apply their knowledge and skills of computer assisted design, blueprint reading, physics and mathematics while working on unique projects and problem solving opportunities.
Learn more about the Manufacturing Program
Health Care Sciences / Medical Technology (Health & Wellness SHSM)
According to Health Force Ontario “Health care information and technology is advancing at warp speed: Working in Health care means constantly learning and growing in a fast-paced, challenging environment that is constantly evolving.” The Health Care Sciences/Medical Technologies program introduces students to the fundamental knowledge and transferable skills used in many aspects of the health care industry. Students perform health care related activities, client assessments, and management as well as practice effective communication strategies.
More on Health Care Sciences / Medical Technology.
Hospitality & Tourism (Hospitality & Tourism SHSM)
The Specialist High Skills Major in Hospitality & Tourism allows students to make informed career choices in the Hospitality sector. They will acquire effective communication skills, demonstrate safe operation of industry equipment, food handling, business inventory controls, safety & sanitation and economic and environmental controls
More on Hospitality & Tourism.
Information Communication Technology (SHSM)
The Information and Communication Technology SHSM offers students the opportunity to explore interests and acquire skills and experience that will assist them in preparing for their post secondary pathway and future career choices
More on Information Communication Technology.
Landscaping & Horticulture (Landscaping SHSM)
Students focus on industry standard skills. This includes plant identification and propagation, turf management, plant science, nursery production, irrigation, landscape design, construction and maintenance. Through community and sector partnerships and innovative projects, students will safely gain practical experience with various materials and equipment, and the processes and techniques used in the landscaping and horticulture industry.
Learn more about the Landscaping & Horticulture program
Royal Botanical Gardens ECO Studies (Environmental SHSM)
ECO Studies is an Experiential Education program with an Environmental and Earth Science focus. It is one of the first programs of its kind to offer core courses linked to the new Provincial Environment Specialist High Skills Major Certificate.
Learn more about the RBG ECO Studies program
Transportation (Transportation SHSM)
The focus is on motive power. Students develop a strong foundation in the service, repair, and modification of vehicles and vehicle systems. Students are introduced to concepts of transportation services management and the organization and management of mass transit systems.
Learn more about the Transportation program

Experiential Learning Programs

Cooperative Education
Cooperative Education is a unique learning opportunity for students that extends classroom learning into business, industry, and the community. Students explore the world of work, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
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Ontario Youth Apprentice Program (OYAP)
Ontario Youth Apprentice Program is designed to help students make a smooth, successful transition to their post secondary education apprenticeship program through a Cooperative Education placement. Concentrated OYAP also available.
More on OYAP.
Halton Home Builder's Program
The Halton Home Builder's Program is a four-credit, one-semester program providing students with a unique "hands-on" opportunity to experience the many skills and trades available in the home building industry, all while building a house from the ground up.
More on Halton Home Builders.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a multi-disciplinary program that is recognized nationally and Internationally as one of the top university preparation programme. Students who successfully complete the IB programme often receive university credits or gain direct entry into second year university.
More on International Baccalaureate (IB).
LINK
The LINK Program is a Cooperative Education Program that provides high school students with an entrepreneurial leadership opportunity in which they design, market and deliver issue-related presentations to elementary school students across Halton.
More on LINK.
Canadian Forces Co-op
The Canadian Forces Coop program offers students a chance to explore possible careers in the Canadian Forces Reserve while earning Canadian Forces qualifications and secondary school credits.
More on Canadian Forces Co-op.
Construction Transition
The Construction Transition Program is a four-credit Coop program that provides a unique opportunity for students to explore a career in the construction industry. Construction Transition students will be well prepared for employment in the construction and other related industries immediately after leaving secondary school.
More on Construction Transition.
BCP - Trailhead Program
The Bronte Creek Project offers “Trailhead”, a  grade 10 program that focuses on adventure, exploring your community and developing leadership skills.