students first series by Grace Giesbrecht
Explore the world of work
WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL WITH SHSM eeking opportunity and work S experience in the art sector, eighteen-year-old Marshal Alfonso applied for an Arts & Culture Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) co-op program. In his final year of high school, Alfonso started at DeSerres, a Canadian art supply store. The experience “gave me the chance to do things and meet people that I otherwise would have never done or met,” Alfonso said. Alfonso is not the only student seeking new opportunities to develop skills and explore careers while still in high school. The SHSM program provides these opportunities throughout the city. The SHSM is a unique program offered by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) designed to help high school students explore and focus on career paths based on their interests. There are 45 SHSM programs offered across the 25 secondary schools in the OCDSB. All programs require students to engage in coops giving them an opportunity to “test drive” their sector of interest and offering authentic, realworld experiences. Other experiences inlcude workshops led by professionals in specific industries, like radio or physiotherapy. High school can be a challenging journey for any student. Biology or physics may not be your passion, especially if you want to be a graphic designer, welder, or chef. However, the SHSM program gives students the option to customize their high school PHOTOS: COURTESY MARSHAL ALFONSO
learning according to their real interests and plans. The co-op program places students in environments where they can develop skills and connections that will help them get ahead in their chosen field. Most importantly, participation in SHSM sets them up for their future — whether that is a university program, a farm, an apprenticeship, a college trades program, or whatever path they choose.
The SHSM program offers placements scattered throughout the world of work, from agriculture to performing arts to business to health and almost anything in between. There are multiple opportunities to obtain industry recognized certifications depending on the program or co-op that the student attends. This can be particularly useful in trade-oriented fields. There are also multiple innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Alfonso recognized the mismatch between his interests in the arts and his high school experience early. After hearing countless times that a career in the art world is too competitive, not possible, or simply not a real job, he applied for the Arts & Culture SHSM program to see for himself. In his placement at DeSerres’ St. Laurent location, he found a new
sense of belonging and learned about opportunities on both the creative and practical business sides of the art industry. “There are real opportunities and real ways to be an artist and be happy, you just have to look for them.” Alfonso said.“If you’re happy doing what you're doing, then you’re successful." The SHSM program offers placements scattered throughout the world of work, from agriculture to performing arts to business to health and almost anything in between. Students who graduate with SHSM receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a “specialist” designation that includes an embossed SHSM seal, a SHSM record documenting their achievement and a formal recognition on their Ontario Student Transcript. Knowing more of the career options available in the art world through his SHSM placement has given Alfonso new perspectives and experiences to leverage in his future. “I’m so grateful for the experience I’ve been given. I plan on using my experiences from that to hopefully find a way into college.” A full list of programs offered through SHSM is available on their website. Students who wish to enroll in a SHSM program must apply in their Grade 10 year and should contact their school’s guidance counsellor for more information n OCDSB.CA/SHSM 33 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2021
