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.
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.
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?
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:
$99 SHSM Certification- Experiential Learning + Motive Power Transportation Technical Program Tour and Activity
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.
