Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Hospitality and Tourism
Requirements for a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Hospitality and Tourism:
A Specialist High Skills Major in Hospitality and Tourism includes the following requirements:
- a defined bundle of 9 credits in Grade 11 and Grade 12:
- 4 Major credits
- 3 additional required credits
- 2 co-op credits
- 6 sector-recognized certifications/training programs:
- 4 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 Hospitality & Tourism:
Students achieving a SHSM in Hospitality & Tourism will:
- have a strong foundation for a wide variety of careers in the Hospitality and Tourism 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 five "tourism" industries include: Hospitality and Tourism, Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Travel Services. This sector in Canada is a major source of employment. In 2004, Statistics Canada reported that 1.7 million people were employed in the tourism sector (10.7% of the Canadian labour force). Tourism in Ontario is a dynamic, growing sector. The food service industry employs 374,000 people with nearly 39% of workers between the ages of 15 and 24 years old. (Statistics Canada, The Human Resource Module of Tourism Satellite Account, 1997-2002, March 2006)
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Postsecondary Destinations in Hospitality & Tourism
Apprenticeship Training for Hospitality & Tourism
Students may choose to pursue their Apprenticeship in the Hospitality and Tourism 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 Hospitality and Tourism sector that can be completed through Apprenticeship include:
- Assistant Cook
- Baker
- Chef
- Cook
- Patissier
- Retail Meat Cutter
For more information on Apprenticeship visit the DSBN OYAP Website.
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College Training for Hospitality & Tourism
Students may choose to pursue a Diploma related to the Hospitality and Tourism sector through a college program.
Some examples of College Diplomas that can be earned include:
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Chef
- Cook
- Culinary Management
- Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Management
- Recreation and Leisure Services
- Special Events Management
- Tourism and Travel - Adventure and Ecotourism
- Travel Marketing and Operations
For additional program options and listings, please consult course calendars for individual colleges.
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University Training for Hospitality & Tourism
Students may choose to pursue a Degree related to the Hospitality and Tourism sector through a University program.
Some examples of University Degrees that can be earned include:
- Foods and Nutrition
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Hotel and Food Administration
- Nutritional Sciences
- Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism
- Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Tourism and Environment
For additional program options and listings, please consult course calendars for individual universities.
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Workplace Training for Hospitality & Tourism
Students may choose to pursue Certificates related to the Hospitality and Tourism sector to enhance their skills training for the workplace.
Some examples of Certificates that can be earned include:
- Banquet Food and Beverage Server
- Bartender
- Casino Dealer
- Reservations Sales Agent
- Wine Server
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Resources
Association of Canadian Travel Agencies
www.acta.ca
Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals
www.cafp.com
Canadian Culinary Federation
www.ccfcc.ca
Canadian Tourism Commission
www.canada.travel
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 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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