Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Construction
Requirements for a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Construction:
A Specialist High Skills Major in Construction includes the following requirements:
- a defined bundle of 10 credits in Grade 11 and Grade 12:
- 4 Major credits
- 4 additional required credits
- 2 co-op credits
- 7 sector-recognized certifications/training programs:
- 5 mandatory
- 2 chosen from a list
- experiential learning within the sector
- "reach ahead" experiences in the area of the student's postsecondary destination of choice (apprenticeship, college, university or workplace)
- development of essential skills and work habits required in the sector, with documentation in the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP)
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Advantages of Earning a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Construction:
Students achieving a SHSM in Construction will:
- have a strong foundation for a wide variety of careers in the Construction sector
- be able to customize their education to suit their interests and talents while meeting the requirements for the OSSD
- focus on sector-specific knowledge and skills that are valued by the sector and postsecondary educational institutions
- receive an SHSM Record outlining and identifying completion of the required components, including certifications and training programs and sector-specific credits the student has achieved
- receive an OSSD with the Red SHSM Seal identifying that all of the required components are complete
The Ontario Construction Secretariat reports that from January 2003 to April 2006 employment in the Construction sector continued to grow. As the economy strengthens, the value of new construction is expected to reach $11.2 billion by 2007. Sector representatives consider the shortage of skilled workers to be critical. While new home construction may be on a decline in some areas of the province; however, restoration and renovation opportunities are growing.
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Postsecondary Destinations in Construction
Apprenticeship Training for Construction
Students may choose to pursue their Apprenticeship in the Construction sector. Through the OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program), students can begin earning hours toward their apprenticeship while still in secondary school.
Some examples of programs and training related to the Construction sector that can be completed through Apprenticeship include:
- Brick and Stone Mason
- Concrete Finisher
- Construction Craft Worker
- Construction Millwright
- Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicator
- Construction and Maintenance Electrician
- General Carpenter
- Plumber
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic
For more information on Apprenticeship visit the DSBN OYAP Website.
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College Training for Construction
Students may choose to pursue a Diploma related to the Construction sector through a college program.
Some examples of College Diplomas that can be earned include:
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technician
- Architectural Technician
- Architectural Technology
- Building Inspection Technician
- Construction Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering Technician - Industrial
- Electrical Power Generation
- Electrical Techniques
- Fire Protection Engineering Technician
Students may also choose to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Technology degree through College/University partnership programs.
For additional program options and listings, please consult course calendars for individual colleges.
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University Training for Construction
Students may choose to pursue a Degree related to the Construction sector through a University program.
Some examples of University Degrees that can be earned include:
- Industrial Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Architectural Science
Students may also choose to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Technology degree through College/University partnership programs.
For additional program options and listings, please consult course calendars for individual universities.
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Workplace Training for Construction
Students may choose to pursue Certificates related to the Construction sector to enhance their skills training for the workplace.
Some examples of Certificates that can be earned include:
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Construction Techniques
- Mechanical Techniques - CNC/CAD/CAM Specialist
- Mechanical Techniques - Design
- Mechanical Techniques - Construction
- Welding Techniques
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Resources
Career Cruising
www.careercruising.com
Career Gateway
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/career/jsearch.html
Information about Skilled Trades
www.apprenticesearch.com
Ministry of Training Colleges & Universities (MTCU)
www.edu.gov.on.ca
Ontario College Application Services
www.ontariocolleges.ca
Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS)
www.iciconstruction.com
Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA)
www.chba.ca
Ontario Home Builders Association
www.homesontario.com
Canadian Construction Women
www.constructionwomen.org
Ontario Prospects
www.ontarioprospects.info
Ontario Skills Passport
http://skills.edu.gov.on.ca
Passport to Prosperity
www.edu.gov.on.ca/passport
Live Safe! Work Smart!
www.livesafeworksmart.net
Passport to Safety
www.passporttosafety.com
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health
& Safety (CCOHS)
http://www.ccohs.ca
Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB)
www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/hs_pubs.html
Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA)
www.iapa.ca
Skills Canada-Ontario
www.skillsontario.com
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