Specialist High Skills Major​ (SHSM)

B.H.S.S. offers six SHSM sectors

• Arts and Culture​
• Business
• Construction
• Health and Wellness
• Information and Communication Technology
• Transportation

SHSM programs are designed to prepare students for post-secondary programs and careers within their selected sector. The SHSM program begins in grade 11, though students can join at anytime in grade 11 or 12 if they meet the conditions below.

To be awarded a SHSM Red Seal diploma by the end of grade 12, students must:

• Enroll in Co-op in grade 11 or 12 for sector-specific experiencial learning
• ​Complete required sector-recognized certifications to build their resume (e.g. CPR, First Aid)
• Sign-up for a minimum number of optional certifications, reach aheads (pathway explorations) and experiential opportunities (hands-on experiences in the sector)
• Enroll in 6-7 "major credit" courses.  These are specific courses students complete within grade 11 and 12 from a list of courses (there are likely courses the student would select anyway given their sector interest)

How Do Students Enroll in SHSM?

1. Starting in February of their grade 10 year, students complete an online application.
2. Check your GAPPS email for an email with the completed application.
3. Print the completed application and have your parent/guardian sign it.
4. Submit the paper application into the designated collection bin in the Guidance Office.
5. Check your GAPPS email for notification that you are officially in SHSM.
6. Continue to check your GAPPS email for invitations to certifications and Reach Ahead opportunities (e.g. pathway exploration field trips)
7. ​​During course selection, be sure to add your "major credit" courses into your grade 11 and 12 plan.  If you are still waiting to be added into the SHSM program during course selection, assume you are in and select courses accordingly.