By Carmen Reis, CEO, Flashpoint Training
What in the world are SHSM Regionals? That’s a fair question, especially since we’re still figuring out exactly what to call it, but in short, it is an experiment with promoting and growing SHSM, connecting students to employment and more.
Let me explain.
One of the things we realized early on at Flashpoint Training is that SHSM has a marketing problem.
And that’s a shame, because Ontario’s Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program is exceptional.
Think about it. We have a program that gives high school students opportunities to explore careers, earn industry-recognized certifications, connect with employers, participate in experiential learning, and develop real-world skills before they graduate.
It’s exactly the kind of program we should be celebrating. Yet outside of education circles, relatively few people know what SHSM is. Even students who participate don’t always recognize how valuable the experience can be.
Taking a Page from DECA and Skills Competitions
When you look at programs like DECA or Skills Ontario, there’s something they do exceptionally well. They give students something to work toward.
Students compete, advance to the next level, represent their schools, and have an opportunity to showcase their talents on a bigger stage. There’s excitement, recognition, and a sense of accomplishment that goes well beyond the classroom.
And perhaps just as importantly, these competitions help build awareness and pride around the programs themselves.
So we started asking ourselves, why couldn’t we do something similar for SHSM?
So, in the spirit of entrepreneurship, we thought, why not build one and see what happens?
Introducing SHSM Regionals 2027
This school year, we’re trying something new at Flashpoint Training.
As part of our SPE experiential learning field trips, students participate in real-world challenges developed around the businesses, industries, and community organizations we visit.
They work in teams, brainstorm solutions, consider budgets and practical constraints, and pitch their ideas to our industry partners.
Normally, that’s where the competition ends.
But not this year.
This year, the winning teams from our participating SPE field trip challenges will earn an invitation to compete against other SHSM finalists in downtown Toronto in May 2027.
We’re calling it SHSM Regionals for now. Admittedly, we may need a better name, but the idea is what matters.
Throughout the year, students will qualify through our field trip competitions. Ahead of the May event, finalists will be organized into teams and given a new real-world problem to solve. They’ll have time to collaborate, research, and develop their ideas before coming together to present their solutions.
We’re hoping to bring together students from different schools, communities, and SHSM sectors, creating an environment where they can learn from one another while competing for bigger prizes and recognition.
But the competition is really just the starting point.
What if we could accomplish more for these students?
This is the part that excites us the most.
Yes, we want students to compete. Yes, we want to offer bigger prizes and recognize exceptional ideas. But what if we could offer something even more valuable?
What if students could connect with employers who are looking to hire for the summer? What if some of our industry partners offered internships, mentorship opportunities, or summer projects?
What if students could leave the event with not just a certificate or a prize, but a connection that might help shape their future?
And what if employers began to recognize SHSM as a place to find motivated young people who are already developing the skills they need in the workplace?
We have relationships with schools, employers, nonprofits, and industry partners across Ontario. It seems like a natural opportunity to bring those relationships together in a way that benefits everyone, especially students.
Of course, we can’t promise every student a summer job or an internship. But we can work toward creating an environment where those connections are possible.
Could This Help Build a Movement Around SHSM?
Every year, Flashpoint Training works with more than 250 high schools across Ontario, delivering programming to over 5,000 students.
We see firsthand what students are capable of when they’re given interesting problems, a little guidance, and the opportunity to present their ideas.
Some of their solutions are genuinely impressive. Others need a little work. But that’s part of learning.
What strikes us is how rarely those accomplishments are celebrated beyond the individual event.
We want to see that change.
Imagine students talking about qualifying for SHSM Regionals. Schools celebrating their finalists. Employers sponsoring challenges and offering opportunities. Students from different SHSM sectors working together on problems that reflect the real world.
Imagine a student choosing to participate in SHSM because they’ve heard about the opportunities it could lead to.
That’s the kind of momentum I’d love to help create.
Maybe the best way to market SHSM isn’t to keep telling people how great it is. Maybe it’s to create something that makes them want to be part of it.
We’re Going to Give It a Try
Our first SHSM Regionals will take place in May 2027 in downtown Toronto. Participation will be by invitation for students who qualify through our participating Flashpoint Training SPE field trip competitions.
Will it be perfect? Probably not.
Will we learn things along the way? Absolutely.
But that’s the spirit of entrepreneurship, isn’t it? You see an opportunity, you develop an idea, you test it, and you keep improving.
Our hope is that this first event becomes the beginning of something much bigger. Something that creates excitement around SHSM, recognizes student achievement, strengthens connections with employers, and opens doors to summer employment, internships, and other meaningful experiences.
And if we can help shine a brighter spotlight on an already exceptional program along the way, even better.
Now, if we could just come up with a better name than SHSM Regionals…
If you’re a teacher, employer, industry partner, or organization interested in being part of this initiative, I’d love to connect.
Carmen Reis
CEO, Flashpoint Training
hello@flashpointtraining.com
www.flashpointtraining.com