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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Specialist ​High Skills Major

What is SHSM and who is it for?​
Specialist High Skills Major, also known as SHSM, is a ministry-approved program offered to Grade 11 and 12 students who want real world experience, a better sense of the type of work they want to do, and an understanding of where a career in their chosen sector can take them. It helps students transition after graduation to their next step, whether that be apprenticeship, college, university, or workplace training, β€‹providing them with the opportunity to specialize their learning, gain qualifications, and explore a career pathway while still in high school. β€‹β€‹

​SHSM is offered at all five of our secondary schools. We have:
  • Two secondary schools in Kingston - Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School (HCCSS) and Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School (RND)
  • Two in Belleville - Nicholson Catholic College (NCC) and St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School (STCSS)
  • One in Trenton - St. Paul Catholic Secondary School (SPCSS)

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Why join SHSM?
​​​​​​SHSM students get to:
  • ​experience a range of customized learning opportunities in an area that interests them;
  • discover the connections between school today, the world beyond it, and their future careers;
  • develop knowledge and skills and establish relationships through workplace experience in their field;
  • earn valuable industry certifications, including First Aid and CPR qualifications, at no cost;  
  • remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways or withdraw from the program, without any impact on their prospects for graduation.  β€‹
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Programs

​Arts and Culture
The Arts & Culture sector offers students opportunities to get inspired and use their unique skills and abilities in careers in visual arts, drama and performance, technical theatre, dance, media and many other creative areas.
Offered at Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School (RND) and St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School (STCSS).

​RND Guidance Department 613-545-1902, ext. 2503

STCSS Guidance Department 613-968-6993, ext. 2009

Construction
According to the Ontario Construction Secretariat, the construction industry is one of Ontario’s largest employers.​
Offered at Nicholson Catholic College (NCC), St. Paul Catholic Secondary School (SPCSS) and St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School (STCSS)


NCC Guidance Department 613-967-0404, ext. 236

SPCSS Guidance Department 613-394-4843, ext. 229

STCSS Guidance Department 613-968-6993, ext. 2009 

Environment
The Environment is an emerging sector, as climate change and clean air and water become growing priorities for governments around the world. The environment sector offers career opportunities in conservation, research, recreation, innovation and more to students.
Offered at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School (HCCSS) in Kingston. 
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​HCCSS Guidance Department 613-384-1919, ext. 3405​


Health and Wellness
Kinesiologist, child care worker, fitness instructor, doctor, nurse, veterinary technician, hospital porter and medical technician are just some of the numerous occupations that the SHSM Health and Wellness program prepares students to pursue.
Offered at Nicholson Catholic College (NCC) and St. Paul Catholic Secondary School (SPCSS).

NCC Guidance Department 613-967-0404, ext. 236 

SPCSS Guidance Department 613-394-4843, ext. 229


Hospitality and Tourism
the hospitality and tourism industries include opportunities in accommodation, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment, and travel services.
Offered at Nicholson Catholic College (NCC), St. Paul Catholic Secondary School (SPCSS) and St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School (STCSS).​

NCC Guidance Department 613-967-0404, ext. 236 

SPCSS Guidance Department 613-394-4843, ext. 229

STCSS ​Guidance Department 613-968-6993, ext. 2009


Information and Communication Technology
​Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is about processing information (which includes capturing, transmitting and displaying information) using electronic systems.
Offered at 
Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School (HCCSS).​​

​HCCSS Guidance Department 613-384-1919, ext. 3405​​

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Non-Profit​
The Non-profit sector are active in a variety of areas – health and social services, religion, development and housing, arts and culture, sports and recreation, the environment, education and research, fundraising, and law, advocacy, and politics – both in Canada and internationally. 
Offered at Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School (RND), St. Paul Catholic Secondary School (SPCSS) and St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School (STCSS).​

RND Guidance Department 613-545-1902, ext. 2503 
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SPCSS Guidance Department 613-394-4843 Ext. 229 

STCSS Guidance Department 613-968-6993 Ext. 2009 β€‹


Sports
The Sports sector offers a range of careers in performance, training and treatment, recreation and support, and business and media entertainment.
Offered at Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School (RND) and St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School (STCSS).​​

RND Guidance Department 613-545-1902, ext. 2503 

STCSS Guidance Department 613-968-6993 Ext. 2009 β€‹


Transportation
Career options range from the service, repair, and modification of vehicles and vehicle systems to the organization and management of transportation services and mass-transit systems.​ β€‹
Offered at Nicholson Catholic College (NCC), St. Paul Catholic Secondary School (SPCSS) and St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School (STCSS).​​

NCC Guidance Department 613-967-0404, ext. 236 

SPCSS Guidance Department 613-394-4843 Ext. 229 

STCSS Guidance Department 613-968-6993 Ext. 2009 β€‹

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