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Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM)

Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) are opportunities available in all the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) schools for students with an interest in a particular sector. They can "major" in that sector while they are still in high school to receive an enhanced diploma and transcript.

All four destinations (apprenticeship, college, university and workplace) are available within each SHSM. The sectors/majors offered at Arnprior District High School (ADHS) are:

  • Arts and culture;
  • Construction;
  • Health and wellness; 
  • Hospitality and Tourism;
  • Sports; and
  • Transportation

Students registered in one of our SHSM programs participate in:

  • Eight bundled grade 11 and 12 credits, including four credits in the major area of study;
  • Sector-recognized certifications and safety awareness training i.e. CPR, First Aid, WHMIS, Health and Safety, CAD/CAM, Service Excellence, etc.;
  • Experiential learning such as job shadowing, work experience, sector trade shows, job twinning, and tours;
  • Use of the Ontario Skills Passport with essential skills and work habits as identified by the Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC);
  • Reach-ahead experiences at the student's likely destination: apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace; and
  • A minimum of two co-operative education credits linked to the major credits.

Students in the university pathway are advised to complete their co-operative education credits in Grade 11, to allow room in their timetables in Grade 12 for credits needed to meet university entrance requirements.