Specialist High Skills Major

A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a special recognition that students can earn for graduation. In grades 11 & 12, students complete a bundle of credits, including co-operative education, related to a field. They also complete 7 industry-recognized certifications, experiential learning and career exploration activities, reach-ahead experiences and develop essential skills and work habits.

 

St. John CHS offers a SHSM both in Health & Wellness and Hospitality & Tourism. Students can be in any of the 4 preparation pathways (apprenticeship, college, university, workplace). The program is very flexible, and we offer a variety of opportunities to help students make decisions about post-secondary planning and careers in these industry sectors. Students who complete the program earn a specialized diploma that bears a red seal from the Ministry of Education, which opens doors for programs, scholarships and bursaries, future internships, etc.
 
SHSM in Health and Wellness

This is a broad sector that incorporates Health Care, Fitness, Family and Community Services, Emergency Services and Education. Students take courses that best fit their interests and career path and a variety of cooperative education placements are available locally. This sector is the second largest employer in Canada and will continue to be into the future.
 
SHSM in Hospitality & Tourism

This sector incorporates Food & Restaurant Services, Hotel/Motel/Resort Operations, Travel & Tourism, Events Management, Dietetics & Nutrition, and Public Relations. Students take courses that best fit their interests and career path and a variety of cooperative education placements are available locally. This evolving sector is the largest employer in many communities.

 

The Construction SHSM program at St. John Catholic High School is a uniquely enriched learning opportunity for those who chose to complete the SHSM certificate. With its state-of-the-art shop facility students are able to learn from experiences such as learning about Timber framing. Students assist our community by completing building projects such as sheds, bat houses, and picnic tables. By participating in SHSM students can gain valuable certificates such as First Aid, CPR, Working at Heights, lockout and tagging, and WHMIS training. Students in the SHSM program have increased opportunities to complete a Dual Credit at either St. Lawrence College or Algonquin College to help toward gaining knowledge, as well as reach ahead experiences, and an additional major credit toward their SHSM in courses such as exploring Electrical Circuits, Welding, Plumbing and Millwright are invaluable. This SHSM diploma can give students increased opportunities in the Construction sector.