In Ontario’s Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program, students must complete five required components to earn the SHSM designation on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), and Sector-Partnered Experiences (SPEs) are one of them.[^1]

Experiential learning and reach-ahead experiences get a lot of attention, but SPEs are often misunderstood. When done well, they deepen students’ sector knowledge and connect academic learning to innovation, technology, and real workplace problem-solving. Unlike general experiential activities (like tours or guest speakers), SPEs are designed and delivered with sector partners, involve core skills like innovation or coding, and include structured reflection.

This guide breaks down exactly what counts as an SPE, what it is and is not, how to plan them, and how to document them so they meet SHSM policy requirements.

What Is a Sector-Partnered Experience (SPE)?

A Sector-Partnered Experience (SPE) is a structured learning activity that allows SHSM students to engage with an external partner (such as an employer, industry group, business or post-secondary institution) in a way that builds sector-specific skills and understanding.

Key aspects of SPEs include:

• Co-design and co-delivery
The experience must be designed and delivered by both teachers and sector partners in the chosen SHSM field. This is not simply an outing or a visit; it’s a collaborative learning event developed with industry input.

• Focused content
All SPEs focus on at least one of the following areas:

• Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE)
• Coding (computer programming)
• Mathematical literacy
  These areas are intentionally linked to future workplace needs and help students apply their learning in authentic ways.

• Sector relevance
The experience must connect to the student’s specific SHSM sector. For example, an SPE for Health and Wellness might focus on healthcare technology development, while an SPE for Construction could involve innovation in sustainable building processes.

• Duration and documentation
An SPE should be approximately 6 hours in duration (which may be split over multiple days), and, whenever possible, should include documentation that can be added to a student’s SHSM record or portfolio (like completion certificates or project artifacts).

• Self-assessment and reflection
Like other SHSM activities, SPEs must conclude with a structured reflection or self-assessment that helps students articulate what they learned about the skills and mindsets involved.

How an SPE Differs From Other SHSM Experiences

It’s helpful to compare SPEs with other SHSM components to see what makes them unique.

SPE vs. Experiential Learning Activities

Experiential learning (e.g., workplace tours, job shadowing, guest speakers, skill competitions) is a broader category of activities that take place outside the traditional classroom. These are focused on career exposure and exploration.[^5] What sets SPEs apart is the co-design and co-delivery with a partner, emphasis on innovation/coding/math literacy, and a more substantial learning commitment than a single visit or speaker session.

SPE vs. Reach-Ahead Experiences

Reach-ahead experiences help students plan for post-secondary pathways (apprenticeship, college, university or workplace). While a reach-ahead activity might be visiting a college program or attending a career fair, an SPE is intentionally linked to sector skill development using ICE, coding or math literacy within the sector context, not just exposure.

Examples of SPEs That Count

To be a valid SPE, the experience must meet the criteria above. Here are examples that fulfill those expectations:

Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Projects

An SPE could be a hands-on workshop where students collaborate with a sector partner to solve a real problem using innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. For example, in a Business SHSM, students could work with a local entrepreneur to design a product prototype and pitch it to a panel of local business leaders.

Coding and Technology Integration

For Information and Communications Technology SHSM students, an SPE could involve co-creating a small software application with a local tech company where students learn coding practices, version control, and testing processes.

Mathematical Literacy in Context

In a Construction SHSM, an SPE might involve working with industry engineers to apply mathematical reasoning to real on-site problems—such as calculating load factors or material estimates—and then reflecting on how math supports engineering work.

Sector-Specific Integrated Events

An SPE could take the form of a multi-day event where students engage with sector professionals on various tasks—such as designing a marketing plan with an industry partner for a Hospitality and Tourism SHSM—with outcomes documented in a portfolio.

These activities go beyond simple exposure and help students learn skills that align with both their sector and broader workforce needs.

SPE Planning Considerations for Teachers

Because SPEs involve partnerships and design work, they require intentional planning:

Hit required elements first:
Make sure the activity is co-developed with partners, and intentionally connects to ICE, coding, or mathematical literacy within your SHSM sector.

Use local partners wisely:
Many boards can partner with local employers, industry groups, post-secondary institutions or non-profits who bring practical projects to students. Local sector context makes SPEs more relevant.

Plan for reflection and documentation:
Build structured reflection into the activity so students can articulate what they learned and how the skills apply to their future plans. Reflection also makes documentation easier for SHSM tracking.

Consider flexible delivery:
You can deliver SPEs over one full day or multiple half-days—many schools choose a mix so students can engage deeply without disrupting other learning commitments.

Why SPEs Matter for Students

An SPE isn’t just another checkbox. It’s a meaningful learning experience that helps students:

• Build real skills
SPEs intentionally blend academic learning with sector skills that matter in the workplace.

• Gain confidence in problem-solving
Students apply innovation, coding, or math literacy in practical contexts.

• Strengthen sector knowledge
Working directly with industry partners exposes students to current practices and expectations.

• Document meaningful growth
SPE artifacts and reflections help students build richer portfolios for post-secondary applications.

In short, SPEs help students move from “observing” a sector to actively participating in it.

Final Thoughts

Sector-Partnered Experiences are a core part of what makes SHSM powerful. They are not just trips or guest speakers. They are deep, partner-driven learning experiences that build both sector knowledge and essential skills related to innovation, technology, and mathematical thinking.

When planned and delivered well, SPEs bridge the gap between the classroom and real work—and that is exactly what SHSM is designed to do.

References

1. Ontario Ministry of Education. Sector-Partnered Experiences (SPEs) | SHSM Policy and Implementation Guide. Government of Ontario. https://www.ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide/sector-partnered
2. Ontario Ministry of Education. Components of an SHSM | SHSM Policy and Implementation Guide. 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. Government of Ontario. https://www.ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide
4. Ontario Ministry of Education. Steps for planning and delivering an SPE | SHSM Policy and Implementation Guide. Government of Ontario. https://www.ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide/steps-planning-and
5. London District Catholic School Board SHSM overview noting SPE as part of required components. https://mts.ldcsb.ca/apps/pages/index.jsp?pREC_ID=1360202&type=d&uREC_ID=1076519

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

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.

My Final 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?

Give us your anonymous feedback below:

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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.

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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.

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$99 MARCH 26 SPE Learning with Lego

March 26, 2026 10:00 am

North York Central Library

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$125 MARCH SPE-ICE with Flashpoint Training and Destination Toronto

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April 1, 2026 9:00 am

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$89 APRIL SPE/ICE with Samsung Canada

April 1, 2026 10:00 am

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$89 APRIL 9 Lego Design Thinking SPE-ICE and Experiential Learning

April 9, 2026 10:00 am

North York Central Library

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$129 April SPE/ICE with Flashpoint Training + Toronto Blue Jays Game

April 10, 2026 11:30 am

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

April 13, 2026 10:00 am

Centennial College – Ashtonbee

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APRIL SPE-ICE with Flashpoint Training and the Toronto Zoo

April 15, 2026 10:00 am

Toronto Zoo

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$99 April Experiential Learning + SHSM Cert Aviation and Aerospace (Tentative Date)

April 20, 2026 10:00 am

Centennial College – Downsview

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$129 APRIL SHSM CERTS with TFC + Game Tickets

April 22, 2026 11:30 am

BMO Field

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$129 April SPE/ICS with TFC + Game Tickets

April 22, 2026 11:30 am

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$79 April TFC Career Panel + Game Tickets

April 22, 2026 3:30 pm

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$99 April Experiential Learning + Project Management Electrical and Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning (HRAC)

April 28, 2026 10:00 am

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$99 APRIL SPE/ICS with Flashpoint Training and STACKT Market

April 30, 2026 10:00 am

Stackt Market

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$99 MAY SPE/ICE with Flashpoint Training and Samsung Canada

May 6, 2026 10:00 am

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$129 MAY SPE/ICE with Flashpoint Training and the Toronto Blue Jays (TENTATIVE DATE)

May 13, 2026 10:00 am

Canoe Landing Community Recreation Centre

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$129 MAY SPE/ICE with Flashpoint Training and the Jays Care Foundation (TENTATIVE DATE)

May 27, 2026 10:00 am

Canoe Landing Community Recreation Centre

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