High school students in the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) are gaining sector-specific skills and certifications through the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program—an initiative that supports career-focused learning while students earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
The SHSM program, approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education, enables students in Grades 11 and 12 to focus their studies on a specific economic sector, such as agriculture, construction, or manufacturing. Students take a bundle of related courses, complete co-op placements, and earn industry-recognized certifications—all at no cost to families.
“Imagine graduating high school with industry-recognized certifications and valuable connections with community partners,” said 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.”
The SHSM program launched in 2006, and LKDSB has participated since its inception. According to the board, the district has averaged about 200 graduates per year who complete the program and receive a Red Seal designation on their diploma.
The SHSM Red Seal signals to employers and post-secondary institutions that a student has completed specialized training in a specific sector. To earn this designation, students must meet a set of requirements, including industry certifications, sector-focused courses, and cooperative education placements.
Certifications vary by sector, but often include qualifications such as First Aid/CPR, Working at Heights, Forklift Training, and others aligned with workplace standards. These are paired with in-school coursework and hands-on experience, giving students a foundation in their field of interest before graduation.
SHSM is designed to prepare students for a range of post-secondary pathways, including direct entry to the workforce, apprenticeships, college, or university.
LKDSB currently offers SHSM programs in 10 of the 19 sectors available province-wide. Each school tailors its offerings based on student interest and school resources. For example, John McGregor Secondary School offers a Construction SHSM, where students gain training such as Canadian Welding Bureau certification, Lockout/Tagout procedures, and Forklift Training. At Wallaceburg District Secondary School, students in the Manufacturing SHSM complete training in Lean Manufacturing, Project Management, and Infection Control.
More information about SHSM programs offered at LKDSB schools is available at lkdsb.net.
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