Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is helping high school students get a head start on their futures through the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program. This ministry-approved initiative allows students to focus on a specific economic sector while earning their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)—all at no cost to families.
From hands-on experience in the trades to specialized certifications in various industries, SHSM is designed to prepare students for success in any post-secondary pathway: workplace, apprenticeship, college, or university. By choosing a SHSM, students in Grades 11 and 12 take a bundle of courses tailored to their sector of interest, gain valuable industry-recognized training, and participate in cooperative education placements. This real-world experience allows them to "test drive" a career while still in high school.
Why Choose SHSM?
Graduating with a SHSM Red Seal means more than just earning a diploma—it means standing out. Students receive sector-specific training and certifications that enhance their resumes and post-secondary applications. These certifications vary by sector but often include crucial qualifications such as First Aid/CPR, Working at Heights, Forklift Training, and more.
“Imagine graduating high school with industry-recognized certifications and valuable connections with community partners,” states explains Tawny McCormick, Secondary Coordinator at LKDSB. “Students in the Specialized High Skills Major program receive this training and more. All students in Grades 11 or 12 can participate, and it's completely free for families.”
A Wide Range of Career-Focused Opportunities
LKDSB offers SHSM programs in 10 of the 19 available sectors, with each school tailoring its offerings to the needs and interests of its students. Some of the most sought-after sectors include:
Agriculture
Construction
Manufacturing
Transportation
For example, one of the sectors that John McGregor Secondary School (JMSS) offers is the Construction SHSM, where students can gain hands-on experience and industry-recognized training such as Canadian Welding Bureau certification, Lockout/Tagout procedures, and Forklift Training. One of Wallaceburg District Secondary School (WDSS) sectors is the Manufacturing SHSM, which includes Lean Manufacturing, Project Management, Infection Control, and more. These skills help students transition seamlessly into the workforce, apprenticeships, or post-secondary education.
The SHSM Red Seal Advantage
Students who complete the SHSM program earn a Red Seal on their diploma, signaling to employers and post-secondary institutions that they have completed specialized training in their chosen sector. To receive this designation, students must fulfill requirements that include industry certifications, co-op placements, and sector-focused courses.
With increasing community interest in career-focused learning, SHSM provides students with a competitive edge while also connecting them with local businesses and industry professionals.
Get Involved!
Interested students and parents can explore the full list of SHSM sectors offered at LKDSB schools by visiting: LKDSB SHSM Information.
At LKDSB, we’re For the Future. By investing in hands-on learning and specialized training, the SHSM program is helping students turn their passion into a career—before they even graduate.