Program Message

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program, which is part of the Ministry of Education's Student Success initiative in the province of Ontario, has been introduced to offer province-wide specialized programs in specific Ministry-identified sectors to support the success of all students.  Ontario secondary schools are offering expanded programs to help meet students’ individual learning styles and interests.  These options include Dual Credits, Specialist High Skills Major and Cooperative Education.  These programs help to better engage students in learning and better prepare them for graduation and transition into post-secondary studies and the workplace.

Students who choose an SHSM designation learn through cooperative education and experiential learning placement within the community.  Students who complete an SHSM designation can be confident when they leave high school that they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and industry-recognized qualifications desired by employers and post-secondary institutions. Niagara Catholic is proud to be partnered with many local businesses and agencies within the Niagara Region to offer our students rich and diverse opportunities to gain practical experience and expertise in their chosen career fields.