Category: SHSM Programs

What Counts As Experiential Learning in SHSM? (Ontario Teacher Guide)
Why This Question Matters
“Does this count for SHSM?” is one of the most common questions SHSM teachers ask—because experiential learning is both essential and easy to misunderstand.
In Ontario’s Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program, experiential learning is not just a “nice extra.” It is a required part of how students explore careers, build confidence, and connect their learning to real workplaces. Experiential learning is also one of the biggest reasons students say SHSM feels different from regular high school—because it gives them real exposure to industries, professionals, and environments that they may not otherwise access.
At the same time, SHSM includes other structured components like Sector-Partnered Experiences (SPEs) and reach-ahead experiences, which can look similar in practice. A college visit, a workplace tour, or a guest speaker session might be experiential learning, or it might be reach-ahead, or it might even qualify as an SPE depending on how it’s designed and delivered. This is why SHSM planning can feel confusing: the activities overlap, but the requirements and documentation expectations are not always identical.
This week, we break down what counts as SHSM experiential learning, what common activities qualify, and how to make sure your program stays aligned with Ontario requirements—without overcomplicating your planning.
What Experiential Learning Means in SHSM (In Plain Language)
In Ontario, experiential learning in SHSM is described as planned learning activities that take place outside the traditional classroom setting.¹
That definition matters because it emphasizes two things:
First, experiential learning should be planned and purposeful. A random outing or unstructured activity isn’t the goal. SHSM experiences are meant to connect students to sector learning and career exploration.
Second, experiential learning happens outside the traditional classroom setting, which can include both in-person experiences (like workplace visits) and structured virtual experiences (like online mentoring or virtual tours), as long as the learning is authentic and connected to the sector.¹
Many SHSM teachers describe experiential learning as “the heart of the program,” and that’s accurate. It’s where students stop learning about careers and start learning through real exposure to them. It’s also where students often gain clarity about what they enjoy, what they don’t enjoy, and what skills they need to build next.
What Counts as Experiential Learning in SHSM? (Ontario Examples)
Ontario SHSM policy includes clear examples of experiential learning and career exploration activities.¹ If you’re planning SHSM programming and want to be confident that an activity “counts,” the safest approach is to build from these recognized examples.
Work-site Tours and Industry Visits
Work-site tours are one of the most straightforward SHSM experiential learning activities. Students visit a workplace or sector-related environment and learn directly about careers, working conditions, and expectations. These visits can be eye-opening because students see the day-to-day reality of jobs instead of relying on assumptions or stereotypes.
A work-site tour can also help students connect classroom learning to the real world. For example, students in a construction SHSM may better understand safety procedures after seeing them in a professional environment. Students in a health and wellness SHSM may gain new appreciation for teamwork and communication after observing a clinical setting.
Work-site tours are powerful because they make careers feel real and reachable.
Contact With a Career Mentor
Career mentoring counts as experiential learning when it is structured and purposeful.¹ Mentoring can take many forms, including in-person meetings, virtual mentoring sessions, or scheduled career conversations.
Mentorship experiences can be especially valuable for students who don’t have career connections in their own networks. Even a short, well-designed mentoring session can help students understand what training is required, what entry-level work looks like, and what skills matter most in the field.
Mentoring is also a strong tool for building student confidence, especially when students can ask questions in a supportive environment.
Career Talks, Career Fairs, and Sector Conferences
Career talks and career fairs can count as experiential learning when they are planned as learning opportunities rather than passive listening sessions.¹
For SHSM students, the most effective guest speaker experiences include student preparation beforehand and reflection afterward. This turns the session into learning that students can remember, document, and connect to their pathway.
Sector conferences and career fairs are also valuable because they expose students to multiple roles within a sector. Many students only know the “headline jobs” (like nurse, mechanic, chef, programmer). Events like these help them see the broader range of careers that exist.
Skills Competitions (Example: Skills Ontario)
Ontario’s SHSM guide includes participation in technological skills competitions as an experiential learning example.¹ Competitions can be a powerful experience because they show students what high-level performance looks like in real tasks.
Even students who don’t place highly can benefit. Competitions teach students about professional standards, time management, problem-solving under pressure, and the reality of skill development over time. They also help students build confidence by participating in a real-world challenge.
Job Twinning
Job twinning is described as a one-on-one observation of a cooperative education student in a sector placement.¹ This is especially useful for younger students or students who are still exploring whether the sector is right for them.
Job twinning can help students understand what a co-op placement might look like and what expectations exist in a workplace. It can also reduce anxiety for students who are nervous about workplace learning.
Job Shadowing
Job shadowing is described as a day-long observation of a person working in the sector.¹ Job shadowing is often one of the most impactful experiences because it gives students a realistic view of the work environment.
Students learn not only about tasks, but also about professional behaviour, communication expectations, workplace pace, and the skills that matter most. Shadowing helps students move from “I think I might like this” to “I understand what this really involves.”
Work Experience (In-Person or Virtual)
Ontario’s SHSM guide includes work experience as an experiential learning example and notes it can be delivered in-person or virtually.¹ Work experience is typically shorter than co-op and can provide valuable exposure without requiring a full placement.
Virtual work experience has also become more common, particularly in sectors where digital environments are realistic and relevant. When structured well, virtual experiences can still provide meaningful insight into roles and expectations.
Does Co-op Count as Experiential Learning?
Yes—cooperative education is a form of experiential learning, but Ontario guidance makes it clear that SHSM students should also complete additional experiential learning and career exploration activities beyond co-op.¹
This is important for teachers because it prevents the common misconception that “co-op covers everything.” Co-op is a major component, but SHSM experiential learning should include multiple exposures so students gain a broader understanding of the sector.
Experiential Learning vs. Sector-Partnered Experiences (SPEs)
Experiential learning is broad. SPEs are more structured.
Ontario describes Sector-Partnered Experiences (SPEs) as experiences that are designed to help students develop sector knowledge and skills through engagement with sector partners.² The SHSM guide also emphasizes that SPEs are typically co-designed and co-delivered with sector partners and teachers, and they include student reflection.³
In other words, a guest speaker session might count as experiential learning, but it becomes an SPE when it is intentionally built as a structured learning experience in partnership with the sector, with clear outcomes and delivery expectations.
This distinction matters most for tracking and planning. It helps SHSM teams ensure they’re meeting all SHSM components without double-counting activities incorrectly.
Experiential Learning vs. Reach-Ahead Experiences
Reach-ahead experiences are designed to help students prepare for their postsecondary pathway. Ontario describes reach-ahead experiences as opportunities that connect students to apprenticeship, college, university, or workplace destinations.⁴
A college visit might feel like experiential learning—and it can be—but in SHSM planning, it is often tracked as a reach-ahead experience because the purpose is specifically connected to the student’s next step after graduation.⁴
The key difference is the intent. Experiential learning focuses on sector exploration and workplace learning. Reach-ahead experiences focus on postsecondary planning and pathway readiness.
A Simple “Does This Count?” Checklist for SHSM Teachers
If you want a quick way to evaluate whether an activity counts as experiential learning in SHSM, use this checklist:
The activity should be:
- planned and purposeful
- outside the traditional classroom setting
- connected to the student’s SHSM sector
- designed to support career exploration and skill awareness
- paired with student reflection or evidence where possible¹
If your activity meets those criteria, you are strongly aligned with Ontario’s experiential learning expectations.
Final Thoughts: Experiential Learning Is What Makes SHSM Real
Experiential learning is one of the most powerful parts of SHSM because it gives students real exposure to careers and real confidence in their future options. It helps students understand workplaces, meet professionals, and discover pathways they may never have considered.
For teachers, the key is not to overcomplicate it. If your experiential learning is planned, sector-connected, and reflective, it is doing exactly what SHSM was designed to do.
References (Works Cited)
1. Ontario Ministry of Education. Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Policy and Implementation Guide — Experiential Learning and Career Exploration Activities. Government of Ontario. https://www.ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide/experiential-learning ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹
2. Ontario Ministry of Education. Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Policy and Implementation Guide — Components of the SHSM Program. Government of Ontario. https://www.ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide/components-shsm ↩
3. Ontario Ministry of Education. Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Policy and Implementation Guide — Sector-Partnered Experiences (SPEs). Government of Ontario. https://www.ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide/sector-partnered ↩
4. Ontario Ministry of Education. Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Policy and Implementation Guide — Reach-Ahead Experiences. Government of Ontario. https://www.ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide/reach-ahead-experiences ↩ ↩²
February 18, 2026
How can SHSM Strengthen Student Post-Secondary Applications in 2025?: Scholarships, Credit Recognition & Competitive Advantages
As SHSM educators and guidance counsellors, we already understand the power of experiential, sector-focused learning. But what often goes under-recognized is how significantly SHSM can shape and strengthen a student’s post-secondary trajectory. Colleges and universities across Ontario are not only acknowledging SHSM — many are now rewarding it through dedicated scholarships, advanced credit, and documented preference in admissions.
This shift reflects a broader trend: post-secondary institutions want learners who arrive prepared, focused, and experienced. SHSM students check all of those boxes.
Let’s explore some of the ways in which a SHSM educational experience can help students with their post secondary school choices:
1. SHSM Experience Signals Readiness, Commitment, and Program Alignment
Post-secondary programs increasingly value applicants who demonstrate a clear sense of direction and readiness for academic and practical expectations. SHSM provides this through:
- Sector-focused major credits that align directly with first-year program expectations.
- Co-op placements that expose students to workplace culture, timelines, safety standards, and sector-specific skills.
- Industry certifications (e.g., WHMIS, First Aid/CPR, equipment training) that reduce onboarding requirements for labs, shops, or clinical placements.
- Experiential learning and Reach Ahead activities that give students direct exposure to post-secondary environments — including program visits, workshops, and campus tours.
In competitive programs—such as health sciences, business, ICT, engineering technologies, early childhood education, and trades-related fields—SHSM acts as a “pre-program experience base.” Admissions officers recognize that students who complete SHSM often transition more smoothly, succeed earlier, and demonstrate higher engagement in their studies.
When reviewing applications, many post-secondary evaluators note that SHSM documentation provides a clearer picture of a student’s interests and capabilities than traditional transcripts alone.
2. Verified Scholarships & Awards Available Specifically for SHSM Graduates
One of the most concrete advantages of SHSM is financial: numerous Ontario institutions offer scholarships awarded only to SHSM graduates. These awards provide significant incentive for students to not only enter SHSM, but complete it fully.
University of Guelph-Humber — $1,000 Entrance Award
Eligible SHSM graduates entering specific programs can receive a dedicated $1,000 award.
St. Clair College — $1,000 High Skills Scholarship
Awarded to incoming SHSM graduates who meet required averages.
Algoma University — $500 SHSM Award
For first-year, full-time students entering after completing SHSM.
Trent University — Up to $2,000 SHSM Scholarship
One of the largest SHSM-specific entrance awards in Ontario.
Additional Awards from Colleges & Universities Across Ontario
An Ontario-wide summary highlights dozens of institutions recognizing SHSM through bursaries, entrance scholarships, and incentives.
For students who may face financial barriers, these awards can make a measurable difference. For educators, they serve as persuasive evidence during SHSM recruitment and family information sessions.
3. Advanced Credit: A Growing Form of SHSM Recognition
Although scholarships are common, advanced credit is emerging as a powerful form of SHSM recognition.
McMaster University — First-Year Credit for SHSM Graduates
Eligible SHSM graduates entering McMaster’s Faculty of Social Sciences may receive one free first-year credit, reducing both course load and tuition cost.
This example demonstrates that SHSM can do more than strengthen applications — it can directly affect academic progression. As more institutions look for ways to acknowledge experiential learning, educators should anticipate further growth in this area.
Advanced credit also aligns well with OYAP-connected SHSM sectors, where apprenticeship pathways use documented hours and certifications to accelerate progress.
4. SHSM Documentation Provides Tangible Proof of Skills and Experience
Students graduating with SHSM receive:
- An OSSD embossed with the red SHSM seal,
- A detailed SHSM Record documenting certifications, Reach Ahead experiences, co-op placements, and sector-partnered experiences.
This documentation is especially valuable for:
- Competitive program admissions, where practical experience can differentiate applicants.
- Supplementary applications, portfolios, and interviews.
- Apprenticeship registrations, where safety training and work experience reduce onboarding time.
- Early employment, where certifications like CPR, WHMIS, or equipment training signal immediate workplace readiness.
For guidance counsellors, these documents are key advising tools. For admissions teams, they provide concrete evidence of the skills behind the application.
5. How SHSM Educators Can Use This Information in Recruitment, Advising, and Pathway Planning
During Course Selection and SHSM Recruitment
- Highlight real, verifiable post-secondary benefits — especially scholarships and credit recognition.
- Showcase sector-specific examples to demonstrate direct alignment with student goals.
- Use the McMaster and Guelph-Humber examples to reinforce credibility.
During Postsecondary Application Season
- Ensure students indicate SHSM completion on OUAC/OCAS.
- Encourage students to submit documentation with supplementary applications.
- Assist students in applying to scholarships tied directly to SHSM.
In Parent-Night Presentations or Staff PD
- Present a concise overview of the financial and academic impact of SHSM completion.
- Demonstrate that SHSM is not just experiential — it’s strategic preparation for post-secondary success.
Conclusion: SHSM Is Evolving into a Recognized Postsecondary Asset
The trend is clear: Ontario post-secondary institutions are increasingly rewarding the skills, experience, and preparation that SHSM provides. From scholarships, to advanced credit, to stronger admission profiles, SHSM is emerging as one of the most strategic pathways for students who want a competitive edge after high school.
For educators, these verified examples provide powerful, credible messaging for recruitment, advising, and student support — reinforcing that SHSM is far more than a high school program. It is a launchpad.
December 18, 2025
How to Turn Interview Anxiety into Interview Confidence
Over the past several weeks, we’ve noticed a consistent and encouraging theme across our sessions: students are genuinely eager for guidance on how to succeed in their interviews. Whether it’s for a co-op placement, a part-time job, or a summer opportunity, many are navigating the interview process for the very first time. It’s common to see students approach our facilitators before or after a session with the same pressing question: “How do I ace my interview?”
And it’s no wonder they’re asking. A quick search online reveals an avalanche of tips, tricks, lists, and contradicting opinions. Should they memorize answers—or avoid sounding rehearsed? Should they focus on selling themselves—or keep things humble? Should they ask lots of questions—or only a few? The sheer volume of mixed messages can leave students feeling more confused than prepared.
That’s why, this week, we’re taking a step back and grounding the conversation in what we’ve learned from years of real-world interviewing, coaching, and working directly with youth.
Our goal: to cut through the noise and explore the practical, evidence-informed strategies that genuinely help students.
Most importantly, we’ll look at how to support them in transforming that very normal interview anxiety into clarity, calm, and authentic confidence.
The Reality: It is Tough Out There Right Now and Competitive
Gone are the days of more jobs than kids. It is tough to get a placement. It is tough to get your first job. But it is not impossible. Simplifying the interview process is key .
1. Explain What Co-op Interviews Are Actually Like
A major source of stress for students is imagining an interview as something stiff, formal, and intimidating—something out of a job-hunting movie scene. Teachers can remove a great deal of anxiety just by clarifying what co-op interviews typically look like. Most of the time, they are:
- Short and relaxed, usually lasting around 10–20 minutes.
- Conversational rather than formal, focused on getting to know the student as a person.
- Centered around attitude and reliability, not a list of past experiences.
When students understand that the interviewer isn’t expecting a polished professional, but simply a curious and responsible young person, their nerves begin to settle. Sometimes the simplest reassurance—“this is a conversation, not a test”—makes all the difference.
2. Help Students Build a Strong Introduction
Almost every interview starts with a version of “Tell me about yourself,” and it’s one of the questions that students fear most. Without structure, they feel unsure of where to start or what an adult wants to hear. Giving them a simple framework makes this so much easier.
A reliable method teachers can use is the Present → Past → Future structure:
- Present: Who they are now and what they’re interested in.
- Past: Something from school or life connected to that interest.
- Future: What they hope to gain from the co-op experience and identify what Value you bring to a prospective employer and workplace.
This simple flow allows students to speak naturally and confidently. Once they rehearse it a few times, the introduction becomes a grounding moment instead of a stressful one, and it sets a positive tone for the rest of the interview.
3. Identify Their Strengths—Even Without Job Experience
Many students walk into interview prep convinced they have “nothing to offer.” Teachers can help them recognize that their day-to-day school life already reveals strengths that matter in the workplace. You can guide them to pull from:
- School-based experiences, such as group projects, class presentations, or volunteer hours.
- Personal strengths, like organization, creativity, attention to detail, or tech comfort.
- Workplace-ready behaviours, such as reliability, punctuality, and willingness to learn.
Once students see these strengths clearly, help them turn them into polished statements. Saying “I’m dependable and I always finish what I start” or “I learn quickly and ask good questions” helps students articulate their value with confidence—no job history required.
4. Teach the “Core Four” Interview Questions
While every interview is different, most co-op supervisors ask variations of the same four topics. When students can answer these confidently, they’re prepared for almost anything. Focus on:
- Why they want the placement — helps employers understand interest and motivation.
- What strengths they bring — showcases their readiness and mindset. Focus on examples that demonstrate growth
- What they hope to learn — signals openness and curiosity.
- How they handle challenges — shows maturity and problem-solving. This is the basis of scenario questions. Showcase examples that highlight maturity. Preparing students to handle scenario based questions will help them to respond.
By practicing these Core Four, students learn to respond thoughtfully without memorizing anything. It’s about understanding the message they want to convey, not perfect wording.
5. Conduct Low-Pressure Mock Interviews
Nothing builds comfort like practice, but that practice doesn’t need to feel formal or intimidating. Teachers can create simple, low-stakes scenarios that help students build familiarity with interview flow. Try:
- Quick paired interviews using basic question prompts.
- Short mock interviews led by the teacher, focusing more on tone than perfection.
- Mini “speed interview” stations, letting students practice multiple questions in a row.
These activities help students see interviews as conversations rather than performances. The goal is comfort, not memorizing answers—helping students feel steady when it’s time for the real thing.
6. Teach Simple Professional Behaviour
Before the interview day arrives, students should understand a few foundational professional behaviours that make a strong first impression. Focus on three essentials:
- Arrive prepared and a little early, showing reliability and respect for the interviewer’s time.
- Communicate confidently, using eye contact, clear speech, and attentive body language.
- Demonstrate professionalism, such as keeping phones away and saying thank you.
These small actions don’t require experience—they simply show a student is ready to participate thoughtfully in a workplace environment.
7. Prepare a Small Set of Questions Students Can Ask
Students are often caught off guard when the interviewer flips the conversation and asks, “Do you have any questions for us?” Helping them plan ahead avoids that uncomfortable silence and shows genuine interest. Encourage them to choose one or two simple questions, such as:
- “What does a typical day look like for a co-op student here?”
- “What skills are most helpful in this role?”
- “What would success look like for me in this placement?”
These questions show maturity, curiosity, and readiness to learn—three qualities every employer values.
8. Build a Calm, Encouraging Debrief After the Interview
Reflection is where real growth happens. After their interview, give students a chance to think about the experience with a supportive lens. Guide them through three prompts:
- What went well? (confidence-building)
- What was challenging or unexpected? (awareness-building)
- What would you adjust next time? (skill-building)
- Remember your post interview follow up-extending thanks via a simple email or thank you card. It will help you stand out.
- Remember to follow up-Follow up with the interviewer/contact a few days later if you have not heard anything
This reframes interviews not as “pass or fail” moments but as stepping stones toward confidence and competence.
Final Thought: First Interviews Aren’t About Perfection—They’re About Potential
The purpose of a student’s first interview isn’t to display years of experience—it’s to show attitude, curiosity, and readiness to learn. With supportive preparation, clear structure, and small practice moments, teachers can help every student walk into their interview with confidence. When students understand that employers are looking for potential, not perfection, the entire experience becomes far less intimidating and far more empowering.
By Carmen Reis, CEO – Flashpoint Training, Inc.
November 27, 2025
The Real-World Payoff: How SHSM Co-op Experience Can Boost Long-Term Employment Outcomes
By Carmen Reis, CPA, MA
Why Co-op Learning Matters
In today’s competitive job market, students need more than a diploma — they need experience. Ontario’s Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program gives high school students a head start by combining classroom learning with co-operative education placements, industry certifications, and career exploration.
But what’s the actual payoff of co-op experience? Research from colleges and universities across Canada shows that students who complete co-op or work-integrated learning (WIL) have stronger employment outcomes, higher wages, and smoother transitions into full-time careers.
While long-term quantitative data for high school co-op students is still limited, the results from post-secondary studies paint a clear picture: structured, supervised work experience works.
Co-op Graduates Get Better Jobs, Faster
According to Statistics Canada, among graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions:
- 86 % of co-op college graduates were employed full-time within three years of graduation, compared to 79 % of non-co-op graduates.
- 90 % of co-op university graduates secured full-time work versus 83 % of their non-co-op peers.
- Co-op participation was directly linked to “more favourable labour-market outcomes,” including greater job stability and alignment with one’s field of study.
In other words, co-op isn’t just a résumé booster — it can act as employment accelerator.
Higher Earnings and Career Alignment
A national analysis by the C.D. Howe Institute (2023) found that co-op graduates enjoyed higher average earnings and a greater likelihood of securing permanent positions compared to non-participants.
Complementary research from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) confirmed that co-op graduates report:
- Higher median salaries in the first three years after graduation.
- Closer alignment between their job and field of study.
- Reduced over-qualification rates (fewer grads working in jobs below their skill level).
These are precisely the kinds of benefits SHSM aims to deliver — only earlier.
What This Means for High School SHSM Students
Although there is little formal statistical tracking at the high-school level, it is reasonable to extrapolate these trends. SHSM students complete co-operative placements, earn sector-specific certifications, and often build employer relationships before graduating.
Early exposure to workplace settings gives them:
- A better understanding of career options before committing to post-secondary education.
- Real-world experience that strengthens college, university, and apprenticeship applications.
- Transferable skills — communication, teamwork, punctuality, adaptability — that employers consistently rate as top hiring priorities.
In practice, this means SHSM students with meaningful co-op placements are already developing the same competencies that predict higher employment and wage outcomes later in life.
Why Experience Doesn’t Trump Theory but Supports It…
Employers repeatedly say that relevant experience is one of the most important factors in hiring. A report by the U.S. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE, 2023) found that paid co-op or internship participants receive 44 % more job offers and start at higher salaries than peers without that experience.
That pattern mirrors what Canadian research shows — students who work in structured, supervised placements transition to employment faster and with better job quality. SHSM co-ops provide the same foundation at the secondary level, giving students an early professional identity and resume-ready experience before graduation.
Engaging in alternating periods of study and employment enables students to iterate between theory and practice, continuously refining their understanding of how knowledge functions in real contexts. Beginning this process early supports the development of a balanced, adaptive approach to achieving workplace goals.
Building a Case for Tracking High School Outcomes
Despite the strong evidence from post-secondary research, high-school co-op outcomes remain under-measured. Few provinces track the long-term employment or earnings of SHSM participants versus non-participants. This presents an opportunity for school boards and training partners to lead the way by collecting data such as:
- Employment or post-secondary placement within 6 months of graduation.
- Student-reported job alignment with career goals.
- Re-employment or continuation rates with co-op host employers.
Such tracking could confirm what educators already observe anecdotally: students who learn by doing may succeed sooner and go further.
The Takeaway
SHSM’s co-operative education component is more than a curriculum feature — it’s a strategy for future success. Evidence from thousands of Canadian graduates shows that structured, paid, and supervised work experiences lead to:
- Higher full-time employment rates
- Faster job placement
- Higher early-career earnings
- Better career-fit and satisfaction
By embedding co-op opportunities directly into high school, SHSM helps students build these advantages years earlier — turning curiosity into career readiness.
Sources
1. Statistics Canada (2014). Labour market outcomes for co-op and non-co-op graduates, National Graduates Survey.www150.statcan.gc.ca
2. Statistics Canada summary, “Work-integrated learning and labour market outcomes,” 2014.
3. C.D. Howe Institute (2023). School Co-op Programs Benefit Some Students More than Others.cdhowe.org
4. CEWIL Canada (2019). Research on Co-op Earnings and Employment Outcomes.cewilcanada.ca
5. National Association of Colleges and Employers (2023). Internship & Co-op Survey Report.naceweb.org
November 12, 2025
The Future of SHSM: Top 5 Sectors and the New Electives Students Need for Tomorrow’s Careers
By Carmen Reis, CPA, MA
As Ontario’s labour market changes, students need learning that connects to real opportunity. The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program helps high school students build sector-specific skills, earn industry certifications, and explore career pathways through co-ops, reach-aheads, and hands-on learning.
But which SHSM programs will matter most over the next five years — and what new SHSM electives should schools develop to prepare students for future jobs?
At Flashpoint Training, we analyzed Canada’s most recent labour-market data (2024-2033) from the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) and Statistics Canada. The findings are clear: over 68% of job openings during this period will result from retirements and workforce exits, not new positions. That means Ontario’s next generation will step directly into roles left open by experienced professionals — if they have the right training.
Here are the Top 5 SHSM Sectors for 2025–2030, and the innovative new electives schools should create to prepare students for the future of work.
1. Health & Wellness
The Outlook
Healthcare remains one of Canada’s most stable and expanding industries. With an aging population and record demand for front-line professionals, this SHSM will continue to lead the way.
- 25% of current healthcare roles will open due to retirements by 2033.
- Seniors (65+) will make up 23% of Canada’s population by 2033.
- Rapid growth in home care, diagnostics, telehealth, and allied health services.
Recommended New SHSM Electives
- Healthcare Technology & Diagnostics — telehealth tools, lab tech, and monitoring systems.
- Aging Population & Geriatric Services — long-term care and dementia care fundamentals.
- Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace — practical mental health strategies and first response.
Why it matters: Health & Wellness SHSM graduates enter a field with consistent demand and purpose-driven career options — from personal support work to lab and therapy pathways.
2. Construction & Skilled Trades
The Outlook
Skilled trades are critical to Ontario’s infrastructure — and facing major shortages.
- Over 28% of Canada’s construction workforce will retire by 2033.
- 100,000 new tradespeople needed by 2029 (BuildForce Canada).
- High demand for sustainable, low-carbon building practices.
Recommended New SHSM Electives
- Advanced Building Technologies & Automation — smart homes, BIM, robotics.
- Sustainable Construction & Green Trades — eco-materials, retrofits, zero-carbon projects.
- Trade-Pathway Exploration Lab — short modules across carpentry, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
Why it matters: Modernizing construction electives ensures students gain exposure to future-ready trades — bridging practical skills with environmental innovation.
3. Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
The Outlook
Digital transformation continues to drive demand for skilled ICT professionals in every industry.
- 88,000+ ICT job openings projected between 2024–2033.
- Top fields: cybersecurity, software development, data analytics, and AI integration.
- Expansion demand outpaces all other sectors.
Recommended New SHSM Electives
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals — network protection, ethical hacking basics.
- Data Analytics & Visualization — storytelling with data using Python and Excel.
- Emerging Technologies Lab (AI, IoT & Automation) — hands-on exploration of tomorrow’s tech.
Why it matters: These electives strengthen digital literacy and critical thinking — essential for future college, university, or tech-sector careers.
4. Advanced Manufacturing
The Outlook
Canada’s manufacturing industry is being redefined by automation, robotics, and advanced materials.
- 34% of manufacturing roles expected to turn over by 2033.
- 78% of openings for industrial and manufacturing engineers due to retirements.
- Growing focus on additive manufacturing and lean production systems.
Recommended New SHSM Electives
- Robotics & Mechatronics in Manufacturing — integration of machines and software.
- Digital Manufacturing & 3D Printing — CAD/CAM design and rapid prototyping.
- Lean Manufacturing & Supply-Chain Systems — efficiency, sustainability, and global operations.
Why it matters: Manufacturing SHSM programs that include automation and digital tools help students stay competitive in Canada’s evolving industrial landscape.
Transportation & Logistics
The Outlook
Transportation and supply-chain management are the lifeblood of a global economy — and both are facing an aging workforce.
- 29% of transport and logistics jobs will open through 2033 due to retirements.
- Rapid growth in e-commerce logistics, electric vehicles, and autonomous transport.
- Rising need for fleet management, planning, and warehouse automation skills.
Recommended New SHSM Electives
- Logistics & Global Supply-Chain Systems — how goods move worldwide.
- Electric & Autonomous Vehicle Technology — EV design, safety, and diagnostics.
- Air/Sea/Rail Intermodal Operations — the future of connected freight networks.
Why it matters: Transportation SHSM graduates will power the systems that keep Canada moving — from warehouse logistics to electric mobility.
Why Schools Should Act Now
These five sectors represent more than 60% of projected job openings through 2033. For Ontario educators, aligning SHSM programming and electives with this data is essential to student success.
Implementation tips for school boards:
- Pilot new electives within SHSM bundles as major credits.
- Partner with industry leaders and training companies for certifications (e.g., robotics, cybersecurity).
- Use co-op placements and field trips to reinforce experiential learning.
- Integrate certifications such as WHMIS, First Aid, and CompTIA directly into courses.
MyFinal Thoughts
The next generation of SHSM students will enter one of the most dynamic job markets in Canadian history. By blending career-focused learning, real-world certifications, and forward-thinking electives, Ontario schools can equip every student to thrive.
At Flashpoint Training, we specialize in bringing SHSM to life through field trips, certifications, hackathons, and industry partnerships — helping schools turn classroom learning into future careers.
Your Thoughts???
As we plan for next year, what courses would you like to see?
Ready to design your next SHSM experience?
Contact Flashpoint Training to explore sector-aligned certifications, immersive field trips, and future-ready SHSM programming for your students.
November 5, 2025
Beyond the Classroom: How SHSM Experiences Ignite Real-World Skills Students Actually Use
The Classroom is Changing
Ontario’s classrooms are evolving — and so are the expectations placed on educators. Today’s students need more than lessons and lectures; they need experiences that prepare them for real opportunities beyond graduation. That’s where SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) experiences step in — connecting curriculum with the real world in ways that spark passion, purpose, and possibility.
At Flashpoint Training, we’ve seen how the right SHSM experience can transform learning. When students step out of the classroom and into a professional environment — whether it’s a live industry workshop, a hands-on certification, or a challenge-driven hackathon — something shifts. They stop memorizing content and start building the skills they’ll actually use.
What Makes an SHSM Experience Truly “Real-World”?
Not every field trip or workshop delivers meaningful impact. The most powerful SHSM experiences are intentionally designed to mirror real industry challenges while aligning with curriculum outcomes. Students aren’t just participants — they’re collaborators, problem-solvers, and innovators.
A real-world experience brings three essential elements together:
- Authentic context: Students engage directly with professionals and see how classroom concepts apply in real workplaces.
- Active learning: Hands-on activities and scenario-based challenges turn abstract theory into practical skill.
- Reflection and connection: Guided discussions help students connect their experience back to career pathways and SHSM learning goals.
When these elements come together, learning sticks — and educators see stronger engagement, deeper understanding, and measurable growth in essential skills like communication, teamwork, and innovation.
Skills That Stick: What Students Actually Learn
Every SHSM coordinator knows the difference between a “fun trip” and a transformative one. The best experiences don’t just entertain — they build the soft and technical skills that truly prepare students for the next step.
Here’s what we see every day when students take part in hands-on SHSM experiences:
- Communication That Connects: Whether they’re pitching an idea to industry experts or collaborating with peers during a simulation, students learn how to communicate clearly, confidently, and professionally. The connections are so strong that they literally will wait in line for over an hour to talk to a facilitator or one of our career speakers
- Innovation in Action: SPE/ICE and Hackathon-style programs challenge students to think critically and creatively. They’re not just solving hypothetical problems — they’re designing real solutions inspired by real workplaces. The excitement that fills the air when these students are in active competition, is a great feeling.
- Confidence Through Experience: When students complete certifications or apply skills in an authentic setting, their self-belief grows. They begin to see themselves as capable, employable, and ready to lead. However, we put this into action. Students are REQUIRED to present, to stand in front of a group and state their ideas and defend them.
These moments are what make SHSM so powerful. Students don’t just check boxes for a credit — they discover new strengths, explore career possibilities, and connect their classroom learning to the world around them.
Meeting SHSM Requirements Without the Headache
Between ICE hours, SPE components, certifications, and ministry documentation, coordinating SHSM programming can feel like a full-time job. That’s why smart planning — and the right partners — make all the difference.
At Flashpoint, we design turnkey SHSM experiences that meet multiple deliverables at once.
Each program is built with compliance and curriculum alignment in mind, so you can feel confident that every hour counts. Whether it’s:
- An SPE/ICE session with a career reach ahead
- A post-secondary opportunity aligned with a specific sector, or
- A custom field trip tailored to your students’ goals and passions,
our programs simplify the process and elevate the impact.
You focus on inspiring your students — we’ll handle the logistics, alignment, and documentation
A Glimpse Into the Future: Why Experiential Learning Matters More Than Ever
The world your students are entering is changing faster than ever. Employers now value adaptability, creativity, and collaboration as much as technical know-how. Experiential learning bridges that gap — helping students apply what they know, test new ideas, and build confidence in real situations.
Through SHSM experiences, students don’t just prepare for a job — they begin to see themselves as contributors to their communities and future industries. These experiences turn curiosity into confidence and help students discover career paths that truly resonate with their strengths and interests.
When learning feels real, motivation follows. And that’s when education becomes more than preparation — it becomes transformation.
Bring Learning to Life with Flashpoint
At Flashpoint Training, we believe every student deserves a chance to see where their skills can take them. Our SHSM experiences are designed to inspire curiosity, strengthen essential skills, and meet every program requirement — all while keeping engagement at the heart of learning.
Ready to design an SHSM experience your students, parents and administration will all love?
Reach out to us at: hello@flashpointtraining.com and let us design a SHSM Experience -in class or offsite–your students will remember for years to come.
Carmen is the CEO of Flashpoint Training and has spent a decade designing, evaluating and working with Experiential learning programs, building partnerships and growing training capacity across Ontario.
Upcoming SPE/ICE Events:
20 Seats-$99-SPE-ICE-Behind the Stay-The Business of Hotels-Alt Pearson -Tour, Experiential Activity, Career Talk & SPE
November 6, 2026 10:30 am
Alt-Pearson-6080 Viscount Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 0A1
Get Tickets for 20 Seats-$99-SPE-ICE-Behind the Stay-The Business of Hotels-Alt Pearson -Tour, Experiential Activity, Career Talk & SPE (opens in a new tab)
$119-SPE-ICE with the Toronto Zoo
November 9, 2026 11:00 am
Toronto Zoo
Get Tickets for $119-SPE-ICE with the Toronto Zoo (opens in a new tab)
SOLD-OUT -NOVEMBER 2026 with Flashpoint and ORNGE
November 10, 2026 11:00 am
TBD
Get Tickets for SOLD-OUT -NOVEMBER 2026 with Flashpoint and ORNGE (opens in a new tab)
$99- SPE-ICELondon-Under the Big Top-The Business, Creativity and Performance of Cirque — What It Takes to Put on a Show
November 12, 2026 10:30 am
London-TBD
Get Tickets for $99- SPE-ICELondon-Under the Big Top-The Business, Creativity and Performance of Cirque — What It Takes to Put on a Show (opens in a new tab)
$89-FESTI-Firefighter and Emergency Services Training Institute
November 18, 2026 10:45 am
Pearson Airport-2025 Courtneypark Dr E, Mississauga, ON
Get Tickets for $89-FESTI-Firefighter and Emergency Services Training Institute (opens in a new tab)
SOLD OUT-DECEMBER 2026 with Flashpoint and ORNGE
December 2, 2026 11:00 am
TBD
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$79-Design Thinking SPE-UX and Innovation Hackathon with Humber College
December 4, 2026 10:30 am
North-Main Campus
Get Tickets for $79-Design Thinking SPE-UX and Innovation Hackathon with Humber College (opens in a new tab)
$89- FESTI-Firefighter and Emergency Services Training Institute +Tour,+ Career Talk + Single Certification
December 7, 2026 10:45 am
Pearson Airport-2025 Courtneypark Dr E, Mississauga, ON
Get Tickets for $89- FESTI-Firefighter and Emergency Services Training Institute +Tour,+ Career Talk + Single Certification (opens in a new tab)
$79-Justice in Action-Ethical Considerations + SIM Lab, Forensic Studio, and Mock Criminal Court
December 8, 2026 10:30 am
Humber Lakeshore Campus
Get Tickets for $79-Justice in Action-Ethical Considerations + SIM Lab, Forensic Studio, and Mock Criminal Court (opens in a new tab)
$99 Mighty Machines- with Robar Centre for Transportation Training
December 14, 2026 10:30 am
Robar Centre for Transportationg Training
Get Tickets for $99 Mighty Machines- with Robar Centre for Transportation Training (opens in a new tab)
$89-SPE-ICE-The Business of Chocolate with Marc Forrat
March 9, 2027 10:30 am
London-TBD
Get Tickets for $89-SPE-ICE-The Business of Chocolate with Marc Forrat (opens in a new tab)
$99-$129-SPE-ICE with Destination Toronto & Tourist Attraction (CN Tower or Ripleys Aquarium)
March 31, 2027 9:30 am
Destination Toronto-Location TBD
Get Tickets for $99-$129-SPE-ICE with Destination Toronto & Tourist Attraction (CN Tower or Ripleys Aquarium) (opens in a new tab)
$119-SPE-ICE with the Toronto Zoo
April 6, 2027 10:00 am
Toronto Zoo
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$129 April SPE/ICE with Flashpoint Training + Toronto Blue Jays Game-3:00 PM game
April 7, 2027 9:15 am
Location-TBD
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$129 April SPE with Flashpoint Training + Toronto Blue Jays Game
April 7, 2027 9:45 am
Location-TBD
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$119 April Single Certification with Flashpoint Training + Toronto Blue Jays Game
April 7, 2027 9:45 am
Location-TBD
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$99 SHSM Certification- Experiential Learning + Motive Power Transportation Technical Program Tour and Activity
April 12, 2027 10:00 am
Centennial College – Ashtonbee
Get Tickets for $99 SHSM Certification- Experiential Learning + Motive Power Transportation Technical Program Tour and Activity (opens in a new tab)
$99- SPE-ICE-Toronto -Under the Big Top-The Business, Creativity&Performance of Cirque — What It Takes to Put on a Show
April 13, 2027 9:30 am
Toronto Downtown
Get Tickets for $99- SPE-ICE-Toronto -Under the Big Top-The Business, Creativity&Performance of Cirque — What It Takes to Put on a Show (opens in a new tab)
$129 April SPE/ICE with Flashpoint Training + Toronto Blue Jays Game-AFTERNOON GAME
April 22, 2027 9:30 am
Location-TBD
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$129 May SPE/ICE with Flashpoint Training + Toronto Blue Jays Game-AFTERNOON GAME
May 17, 2027 9:15 am
Location-TBD
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$129 May SPE/ICE with Flashpoint Training + Toronto Blue Jays Game- Evening Game
May 26, 2027 9:15 am
Location-TBD
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October 30, 2025
Who Trains SHSM Teachers?
Each September, hundreds of educators across Ontario take on the role of SHSM Lead — coordinating certifications, planning Reach-Ahead experiences, and ensuring their students complete all components of the Specialist High Skills Major.
But there’s a quiet truth behind the program’s success:
Most SHSM Leads are learning how to run it while they’re already running it.
A Patchwork of Guidance
Across the province, SHSM training looks different in every board.
Some teachers inherit binders and folders from their predecessors. Others attend a brief PD session in the fall, led by a board coordinator who’s balancing dozens of programs. A few lucky ones connect with a mentor who’s been through it before.
There is no standardized onboarding — no single, shared understanding of what a “compliant” SHSM looks like.
Each school builds its own rhythm, its own documentation system, its own interpretation of Ministry expectations.
The Cost of Inconsistency
That variability shows up everywhere:
- Data that looks different from school to school.
- Certifications recorded one way in one place, and another elsewhere.
- Evidence that’s difficult to verify during audits.
- Staff turnover that resets a program’s momentum each time someone new steps in.
Despite these challenges, teachers make it work — often through collaboration, creativity, and long hours spent navigating systems meant to simplify, but not to teach.
How Do We Know?
We’ve seen it firsthand.
Our work with school boards across Ontario has shown us just how dedicated — and often overwhelmed — SHSM Leads can be.
We’ve stood beside teachers as they launched their first SHSM programs, helping them navigate requirements, build partnerships, and understand the mountain of compliance details that come with the role.
We’ve listened to the same story again and again:
“I love the program — I just wish someone had shown me how to do it right from the start.”
What is standard in one place, is not the standard in another.
The truth is, Ontario’s SHSM success depends not just on great students, but on confident, well-supported teachers.
And right now, many of them are figuring it out on their own.
The Question Worth Asking
Ontario’s SHSM programs are designed to connect education and industry, to make learning hands-on and future-focused.
Yet the educators who deliver those programs often have to teach themselves how to stay compliant, how to track effectively, and how to prepare for audits that can impact funding and credibility.
If SHSM is meant to model innovation, shouldn’t the way we train and support its teachers reflect that too?
By Carmen Reis, CPA, MA
____________________________________________
Carmen is the CEO of Flashpoint Training and has spent a decade designing, evaluating and working with Experiential learning programs, building partnerships and growing training capacity across Ontario.
We welcome your questions, comments and inquiries.
If you would like to reach Carmen or any member of our team, email hello@flashpointtraining.com
October 16, 2025
SPE/ICE with Flashpoint and Samsung
Flashpoint Training is excited to announce a dynamic partnership with Samsung Canada for the 2024/2025 academic year — bringing SHSM students an unforgettable SPE-ICE experience that connects innovation with real-world learning.
This exclusive event is designed specifically for Business and ICT SHSM students, giving them the chance to explore how technology, creativity, and business come together to shape the future.
A One-of-a-Kind Learning Experience
At the Samsung Product Innovation Showroom in Mississauga, students will step into a space where ideas become reality. They’ll get an inside look at the technology and innovation driving one of the world’s most influential brands — from cutting-edge design to global business operations.
But this isn’t just a tour — it’s an immersive learning opportunity. Students will:
- 🔹 Gain VIP access to Samsung’s innovation hub
- 🔹 Hear from industry leaders sharing personal stories, career journeys, and advice
- 🔹 Discover how technology, business, and creativity intersect in the modern workplace
- 🔹 Connect what they learn to real SHSM roles and skills — from marketing and design to operations and product development
This experience bridges the gap between classroom learning and career exploration, helping students see their future and understand how their SHSM pathway connects to in-demand skills and careers.
Why It Matters for SHSM Programs
The Samsung SPE-ICE event is aligned with the goals of the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program — offering students meaningful experiences that enhance their understanding of industries and inspire next steps beyond high school.
By attending, students will:
- Strengthen their career exploration portfolio
- Make real-world connections between learning and work
- Gain valuable insights into the diverse career paths available in business and ICT
Educators can feel confident knowing this event supports SHSM certifications, career awareness, and experiential learning.
Event Details
📍 Check out our event listing to register for this awesome event. Only 30 odd seats left.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/flashpointtraining/1860536
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October 1, 2025
FAQ – Frequenty Asked Questions
Find answers to your Flashpoint questions here:
We’ve put together there resources to help you plan your SHSM and corporate training programs.
Are you a current customer that needs help?
We’ve compiled our FAQs below, but feel free to reach us directly at any time: hello@flashpointtraining.com
1. Registration
2. On-Site & Off-Site Services
3. Virtual Services
4. Co-op
Registration
When can I register students for the training?
Registration is open from September – May. You can register anytime. Contact us now!
How do I register?
Centrally-funded boards: simply complete our Registration Form and we will send you the selected certification links and or more information to book your in-person session.
Every other board: simply complete our Registration Form and we will send you an estimate. Once you have confirmed the estimate, we will send you the selected certification links and an official invoice.
How many students/certifications can I register for?
These certifications can be purchased for any number of students (even as few as one student!). You can register as many students across as many certifications as you like in a single registration.
What if I need to register more students or extend the completion deadline?
Registration is typically open until the end of the school year. Completion deadlines can be determined by the Board Lead and extended if necessary. Please contact us and we would be happy to find a solution that meets your needs.
How much does it cost?
Individual certification pricing is available, but we always strive to find a way to work within your budget!
We can offer bulk pricing on a school-wide or even board-wide basis, so be sure to contact us for any number of certifications!
Do you offer certifications in French?
Definitely! All programming is available in French.
We can offer bulk pricing on a school-wide or even board-wide basis, so be sure to contact us for any number of certifications!
In-Person On-Site and Off-Site Services
Which programs are available in person?
We offer all of our certifications in-person as well as our ICE. These experiences are completely customizable to your students’ needs. Connect with us today to learn more!
What sets Flashpoint apart from other companies?
It’s the fact that we give students the opportunity to meet people who work in the occupations, see the workplaces and get highly interactive training sessions all in one. In a nutshell, we offer what the Ministry had envisioned for this program. We provide two highly experienced industry facilitators to guarantee a richer experience and unprecedented engagement.
We offer training options that are not always easy to access. We offer experiences that students may not otherwise be able to access and are pretty cool. Finally let’s face it, SHSM teachers are extremely hard working teachers who are constantly juggling their various commitments. We take care of everything from sign in, training, tours, talks, certificate presentations and if requested we’ll even arrange for lunch. It has also been our experience that teachers appreciate the simplified budgeting process.
How long does the training take to complete?
Our standard for an ICE or a 2 Certification session is a full school day. We are happy to adjust the timing as needed.
What if my students cannot attend the event that day?
We understand that when dealing with teenagers, attendance is never as anticipated. This year we are pleased to provide a complimentary asynchronous certification link for any student who was unable to attend their scheduled in-person session.
Do you offer Off-site events?
Off-site sessions are where we come from! We continue to offer our signature off-site partnership experiences. Just ask.
How do I get started?
Complete our online registration and our customer service team will connect with you to talk about your needs. Or, please reach out to us by email or phone.
Virtual Services
How do I register for asynchronous certifications and training events?
Centrally-funded boards: complete the digital registration and we will send you the selected training links and reach out to book the details of your training days.

Other boards: complete the digital registration and we will send you an estimate. Once you have confirmed the estimate, we will send you the selected certification links and/or begin planning your training day and send you an official invoice.
Are asynchronous certifications only provided for large groups or can they be purchased for single students?
Asynchronous certifications can be purchased for as few as one (1) student, with no maximum. The system is designed to handle any number of registrants, allowing you to register for as many different certifications in one registration.
What if I need to register more students or extend completion?
Registration is open until the end of the school year. Completion deadlines can be determined by the Board Lead, with a recommendation to communicate a deadline of May 31st to students. Links are active typically until the end of the second week in June. Please contact us if you want to extend the deadline.
When will I receive the asynchronous training link(s)?
The training link(s) are sent directly to the teacher within 24 hours of registration.
Is there anything that might assist with increasing the completion of the online training?
i.Tracking completion rates and following up with students.
Ii. Here is a sample message points you can send to students to help ease any anxiety.
– Short 5 minute Certification Video
– Super short true/false quiz, where there are no wrong answers
– Instant submission of the quiz which then sends their Certificate of – Completion to their teacher
iii. We are providing student incentives/prizes each month for completions within the month, October-May
Where are the completed certificates sent?
Every Monday, all certificates completed in the week prior will be generated and, along with the students’ responses, be added to a Google Drive folder and shared with the email address entered by the students (ie. their teacher’s email)
How much does it cost?
Individual certification pricing is available, however the most economical way is to purchase an unlimited certification access packages. Contact us for more details.
What if I have questions or am having some technical issues?
We offer technical support and are available for any questions through email at hello@flashpointtraining.com. If you need a phone call please leave your number in the email and we will call you.
Which programs are available virtually?
You can review our entire catalog of virtual programs available here!
What is included in the virtual certification training?
It includes a variety of content with videos, resources, personal reflection questions, a short and easy knowledge quiz, additional resource links and a summary of the certification.
How long does the asynchronous training take to complete?
Completion time is between 45 – 75 minutes per online certification, but students can take as long as they require to complete the training. The on-demand approach provides cues to pause the video and allow as much time as needed to complete the work. In fact, the training may be repeated or completed over any period of time.
The Ministry understands that student attention for on-line learning is shorter and allows for less than the required standard three hours per face-to-face certification.
How will I know the student completed the asynchronous training?
Students will enter their name into the quiz or worksheet along with the teacher’s email address so that all responses and the associated Certificates of Completion are tracked. We will send you access and regular updates to Google Drive folders containing student certificates of completion and student quiz / worksheet submissions. Every Monday new certifications are generated for students who have completed. These are added to your google folder and we let you know via email. If you do not receive an email on Monday then no new students have completed their certification. This ensures you don’t get an email every time a student completes a certification and allows you to forward the Certificate of Completion to the student at any time.
Can students complete the quiz more than once?
Yes, the quiz may be completed more than once. However, the answers are referenced in the summary above quiz. Therefore this should prevent the need to complete the quiz more than once. The e-learning can be reviewed as many times as needed to assist in understanding the material.
Is there anything that might incentivize students to complete their certifications?
Tracking completion rates and following up with students is the key to maximizing completions!
That said, Flashpoint also offers virtual synchronous facilitated instruction for groups of up to 40 students for any certification.
The facilitator will walk students through the certification and they can complete the requirements as they go.
The content is very youth-centered and feedback from students is extremely positive.
We also provide prizes each month for completion within the month, October through May.
Can I see a sample of a certification page?
Absolutely! You can visit this link to view an example of our Stress Management
How do you ensure student privacy?
All communication with students will be done through the teacher. We do not request or collect any personal information. We maintain 100% student privacy, complying with MFIPPA, FIPPA and PHIPA, and do not collect or request any personal information. We have been assessed and meet the ECNO Student Digital Privacy Standards for classroom applications, software and web services.
Where are the certificates sent?
On the 1st of each month, all certificates completed in the month prior will be generated and, along with the students’ responses, be added to a Google Drive folder and shared with the email address entered by the students (ie. their teacher’s email).
What if students don’t have computers or good technical skills?
The training is simple and includes:
Technical support offered upon request
No need for a login
No need for software or apps
No need for a computer if they have access to a cell phone with internet
Co-op
Do you have pre placement content for my students?
Yes we offer 10 certifications which align with the Ontario Curriculum Strand A, preparing for the Experience this includes 10 certifications which can be purchased individually or separately.
Do you offer co-op placements?
No, we do not generally offer co-op placements – we do offer an asynchronous hybrid experience for the Creating Experiences Through Co-op course ,which has its own code DC 030 and can allow students to complete their co-op credits.
This course allows students to create their own innovative or entrepreneurial opportunity that draws on their own interests, skills and career goals ( page 18 of the Ontario Co-op Curriculum)
What does Creating Opportunities Through Co-op look like?
Students create a webpage for their own innovative or entrepreneurial opportunity that draws on their interests, skills and career life goals
This experience is:
Independent, self-directed
A multi -sector experience
Where students complete 4 Modules
Where students meet partners 3 times throughout the term
The experience begins with a one-hour live virtual call with an industry partner with expertise in Web design where students are able to ask questions and get first-hand access to an industry professional and follows with 2 more opportunities to meet with the partner.
Teachers automatically receive a copy of student assignment submissions so they can monitor the student’s progress.
Which Students are best suited/benefit most from this experience?
Successful students are most likely:
- Independent learners
- Self-starters
- SHSM or other students who require co-op but are unable to complete a placement due to various challenges ie. schedules.
- Career-driven students
- Entrepreneurial students
Why would a student choose to enroll in DC030 Со-op?
This experience serves students who require a co-op credit but who, for a variety of reasons, may not be able to complete a co-op placement. This virtual co-op program is an alternative for students who may have other barriers that limit them to complete a co-op placement in the community. Some of the barriers students face can encompass: social anxiety, inability to commute to a placement; no opportunity available due to the ‘pandemic’; lack of time available within their academic timetable and many more.
Who is the supervisor for the DC030 Co-op course?
We are considered a community partner for this course rather than a placement employer or supervisor as this course does not involve a placement.
The role of the partner is to provide expertise, skills, materials and programs that are not available through the school or supplement those that are (pg 12 Ontario Curriculum).
Who marks and assigns grades to DC030 co-op students?
Based on the Ontario Curriculum “The co-operative education teacher is solely responsible for evaluating students’ achievement and assigning student grades. (pg 29 Ontario Curriculum).
How should time be allocated to complete DC030 Co-ор?
A student allocates 15 hours per week (3 hours per day) , for 12 weeks, for a total of 190 hours to complete the experiential learning experience. Note: this is not a co-op placement but an experiential learning opportunity.
Course Schedule Link
What much value will my students get out of this co-op?
Time variables and richness of the experience depends on:
- The support of the school community
- The drive/independence of the student
- The engagement of the teacher
- The time management support provided by the teacher, including completion in the class
⇡ Back to top
March 24, 2022
Virtual SHSM Programs
Flashpoint takes the stress out of SHSM programming. We take care of everything to help lighten the load.
Yes, we have SHSM Certifications and SPE / Innovation Challenges for all sectors.
Learn more about our programs below:
Spark
On-Line Certifications
Our modules resonate with both students and teachers alike loving the ease of completion and effectiveness of training methods.
Current, youth-centered content: our content is geared toward its audience, broken down into digestible segments
Individually-paced: a student-led approach that allows as much time as needed to complete the work
Completion time: between 40-70 minutes
No login required: the links provided connect directly to the training. No software or credentials required
Easy certificate distribution: completed certificates are sent to the teacher in a shareable Google Drive folder
SHSM Certifications
Youth-centered content including music, videos & engaging components.
Certification Descriptions
Innovation Challenge Certifications
Featuring top Canadian industry partners, these modules provide access and insight into a wide array of businesses.
Contact us for more details
Ready to order?
Click Here to Register!
Questions?
You can read our FAQ here, or contact us directly:
(226) 314-2376 or email: hello@flashpointtraining.com
Thinking About In-Person Programs?
See Our In-Person Programs
March 14, 2022