Explore Your Future with SHSM at Oakridge Secondary School

Oakridge offers two Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs (Business and Health & Wellness) designed to help students gain real-world experience, sector-recognized certifications, and several reach-ahead opportunities towards their postsecondary goals.

Program Benefits
Academic Recognition

● SHSM Seal on Diploma: Graduates receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with a distinctive SHSM seal, showcasing their specialized training.

● Potential scholarships and bursaries: several post-secondary institutions in Ontario offer scholarships and bursaries for students who enter with an SHSM designation.

Career & Postsecondary Preparation

● Sector-Specific Certifications: Students earn industry-recognized certifications such as First Aid, CPR, WHMIS, and others relevant to their chosen field.

● Resume building: Real-world experience through co-op placements in sector-related workplaces and earned certifications look great on a resume and help students earn employable skills.

● Reach-Ahead Experiences: Opportunities to connect with college, university, apprenticeship, or workplace settings, helping students make informed decisions about their future

● Hands-on Experiences and training: Students gain hands-on skills and training tailored to their interests and career goals.

● Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Participation in ICE (Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship) training and other experiential learning activities.

● Confidence & Career Clarity: Students refine their career goals and gain confidence in their chosen sector.

SHSM: Business
Build Your Brand. Lead the Future.

The SHSM Business program at Oakridge is your gateway to the world of entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, accounting, and leadership. It is ideal for all post-secondary pathways. Whether you're dreaming of launching your own company or managing a brand, this program gives you the tools to succeed.

Program Highlights:

Industry certifications in Customer Service, First Aid/CPR, ICE Training, and Portfolio Development. Real-world experiences through case competitions, field trips, and school-run enterprises like the OZONE store

Contact Mr. Scarpelli to learn more about joining the SHSM Business program.

 
SHSM: Health & Wellness
Care. Move. Inspire.

The SHSM Health & Wellness program prepares students for careers in healthcare, fitness, therapy, and community services. With hands-on learning and sector-specific training, students gain the skills and confidence to make a difference.

Program Highlights:
Certifications in CPR/First Aid, Health Promotion, and ICE Training, co-op placements in health-related fields, guest speakers, field trips, and sector-partnered experiences

Talk to Mr. Carellas or Dr. Robinson to explore your path in Health & Wellness.

SHSM Requirements
To meet the SHSM requirements, students are responsible to earn credits in the following senior level (grade 11/12) courses:

● 2 English (OSSD requires grade 11 and 12)

● 2 credit co-op placement

● 4 major credits in the program pathway

● 2 credits in STEM Pathway

              ○ Business - 2 math (one must be grade 12)

              ○ Health and Wellness - 1 math, 1 science

● Complete all certifications

              ○ First Aid/CPR, WHMIS

              ○ 1 mandatory (sector dependent)

              ○ 2 elective from the ministry approved list (sector dependent)

For more information see the ministry SHSM website

SHSM Ministry of Education - Ontario
SHSM - Business
SHSM - Health & Wellness