The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a Ministry approved award you can earn during grade eleven and twelve. It is valuable because it shows that you have focused your education toward a particular employment sector (major). Check out www.highskills.ca for more information.

Speak to your Guidance counsellor about registering for the program!

• 50% of gr. 11 and gr. 12 students at St. Benedict are registered in the Specialist High Skills Major program.
• St. Benedict offers 11 different majors including:
  • Arts and Culture
  • Business
  • Construction
  • Environment
  • Health and Wellness
  • Hospitality & Tourism
  • Information Communication Technology
  • Justice & Community Service
  • Manufacturing
  • Transportation
• SHSM is available for students in all pathways
  • Apprenticeship
  • College
  • University
  • Workplace

Students who successfully complete all components of the program earn a Specialist High Skills Major (Red Seal) designation on their Diploma.

Some secondary institutions offer scholarships. For example, the University of Guelph-Humber offers a $500 Entrance Award for students in these majors: Arts & Culture, Business, Health & Wellness, Information & Communications Technology, and Justice & Community Services. Read more about it on their website.

Start thinking about and planning on taking your Specialist High Skills Major.
Students participate in:
COURSES – Specific grade 11 and 12 courses
CERTIFICATIONS – Earn Industry recognized Certifications (organized by the school)
COOP – complete 2 credits in COOP

To get started…

1. Visit www.highskills.ca to choose your major.
2. Complete the participation form and submit it to the guidance office.
3. During grade 10 course Selections (February) choose required gr. 11 courses listed on www.highskills.ca
4. Consider taking a COOP in Grade 11 OR Grade 12 OR during summer school OR during night school
5. Stay tuned for certificate training session, invitations will be given to you in your period 1 class.