Western Secondary School

Specialist High Skills Major:Transportation

What is a “Specialist High Skills Major”?• A SHSM enables students

to gain sector specific skills and knowledge in the context of engaging , career-related learning.

• It “customizes” your high school program based on your interests

• It helps you focus on your career goal and on graduating

What is involved in a SHSM?

A high school program that involves:

• A defined bundle of courses• Industry-recognized training

and certification• Experiential learning

activities• Reach ahead activities in

the area of your post-secondary destination

• The use of the Ontario Skills Passport to document your learning

“Defined Bundle of Courses” Includes the following:• 4 senior transportation

courses• 2 co-op credits• Senior English and Math• Contextualized learning

activities in English and Math

• Senior business or science

“Industry Recognized Certification and Training”Compulsory• First Aid / CPR• WHMIS• Health and SafetyFour optional areas:• Service Excellence• Propane • Fire Extinguishers• Vehicle Lift Safety• Ozone Depletion• Spill Safety• Drive Cleanand many, many more

What are “Experiential Learning Activities”?• “Opportunities to

explore, observe, participate in and reflect on a variety of sector-specific experiences and careers”

• Includes:• One-on-one observation• Work experience, job

shadowing, job twinning• Tours • Trade shows

What are “Reach Ahead” Experiences• Learning Experiences in

the area of your post-secondary destination of choice

• Will vary according to your destination: workplace, apprenticeship, college, university

• “Dual Credit” program with Georgian College is one example.

What is the Ontario Skills Passport?• Integral to the program• Identifies specific skills

and knowledge that the sector feels are important

• A way of tracking and demonstrating that you have these transferable skills

• A great way to begin to prepare for a possible career in the Transportation Sector.

What do I get out of it?• Special Diploma• Special tracking sheet listing

qualifications• A “leg up” on other job / program

applicants• Possible apprenticeship hours (OYAP)• Possible college credit (Dual Credit).....

for FREE!

Am I going to have to do any extra work?

A little bit more … but• most of the work is within the normal

course outline.• Some things (like the special learning

activities) may be done independently• Some of the industry-recognized

training may be done during the day or after school…depending on the trainer.

Will I have to pay for the certifications?• Some courses may require a

charge to register with the provincial or national organization (-ie- Red Cross / First Aid Certificate)

• Other courses will be provided by qualified trainers at no cost to the student.

Is the SHSM for all students?

It is open to all students taking transportation courses

All levels…workplace, college, apprenticeship, university

Other SHSMs may be coming in future years.

Can I change my mind?Yes … at any time

• You are not committed to a career in transportation

• However… if you are interested in a career in transportation…THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO GET

STARTED!!!

What do I do next?• Grade 10s: Complete the registration form

when you select your courses for next year.• Grade 11s: Complete the registration form by

the end of the month.• Grade 12s: If you are coming back, you could

still qualifiy…complete the registration form by the end of the month.• If you are not returning, you will not be able to

complete all the requirements for a SHSM

Questions