A Specialist HighSkills Major (SHSM) is a specialized program approved by the Ministry of Education that provides students with courses and activities that focus on a specific work related sector. A Specialist High Skills Major enables students to customize their high school experience to suit their interests and talents and prepare for a successful postsecondary transition to apprenticeship training, college, university or employment while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The major enables students to gain the sector-identified preparatory credits, skills and knowledge, and make informed career decisions.
Each Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) includes major courses, elective courses, specialized training, and reach-ahead and experiential activities. This makes the learning environment more engaging for students, focuses them on graduation and prepares them to pursue their career goals. A student may exit the SHSM before completion without jeopardizing progress towards the OSSD, retaining credits and certifications earned up to that point. The following SHSM programs are offered at Barrie North: Arts & Culture (Broadcasting: TV, Film and Journalism), Business (Sports Marketing and Management), Construction, and Transportation.
For information on other SHSM programs in Simcoe County, please visit www.myshsm.ca.
Arts and Culture - Broadcasting: TV, Film and Journalism
Careers in TV, radio, web & desktop publishing, journalism, photography, publishing and public relations await you as you complete this program in Broadcasting. Whether you dream of being an on-air personality or doing the hands-on technical production, this program will get you started in an exciting career!
The program offers a combination of academic and technical training. You will spend much of your time working on projects in labs and studios to develop technical and production skills. Using industry-standard television, audio and computer technology, you will be involved in all aspects of media production.
Business: Sports Marketing and Management
Careers in Sports Marketing and Management such as ticket sales, sports broadcasting, journalism, being a general manager, player development, designing advertising campaigns and more await upon completion of this program. If you are a sports fan, or have ever wanted to work in the sporting industry, this program is for you. The Specialist Program in Sports Marketing and Management offers a wide variety of specialized training. Students will have the opportunity to take Ministry certified courses, as well as extend their learning on exciting field trips and experiential learning activities. Students will also gain certifications in CPR, WHMIS, First Aid and more.
Construction
If you are interested in working anywhere in the construction industry as a framing or finishing carpenter, residential or commercial electrician, general contractor, designer, this program offers an opportunity to add a unique qualification to your high school graduation diploma as well as a base of experience and special set of industry-specific skills and knowledge. Barrie North has a unique full-sized shop outfitted with tools and machines for both construction and cabinetry as well as industry standard software for Computer Aided Design. Students have the opportunity to work on projects that are real-world and will develop the skills needed to enter and succeed in the construction industry.
Transportation: Auto Mechanics and Auto Body
If you are interested in working in the automotive industry as an Auto Mechanic or an Auto Body technician, this program offers an opportunity to add a unique qualification to your high school graduation diploma.
Barrie North has a unique facility in that it houses both an automotive and an auto body shop equipped to handle all types of vehicles and services. Students have the opportunity to work on their own cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles or recreational vehicles as well as experience a real life workplace in the transportation environment.