One of the pathway opportunities available is Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM). This specialized program allows students in Grades 11 and 12 to acquire technical knowledge and skills related to a specific sector and experience a range of customized, career-focused learning opportunities while still earning their high school credits.
At Timmins High and Vocational School (THVS), one of the five SHSMs available is Construction. This SHSM offers students the opportunity to explore the many disciplines associated with construction, with instruction from experienced staff to provide industry-specific training in design, computer-assisted design, precision measurement and layout, hand tools and machine tools.
This past semester, students at THVS in the SHSM Construction participated in an Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Challenge. For this authentic learning experience, students engaged in a sector-partnered opportunity to work with the President of the Timmins Fall Fair and Mountjoy Farmers Market, Rock Whissell. During this experience, students interviewed Mr. Whissell to better understand the needs of the challenge and build request for bleachers for use by children in the community during the Timmins Fall Fair, Mountjoy Farmers Market, and other events.
During the initial consultation meeting in mid-April with Mr. Whissell, students collaborated, brainstormed, and designed prototypes of the bleachers they would eventually build. Throughout the process, students ensured that their designs met function requirements, along with safety, design, and aesthetic elements.
Tim Brooks, Technology Studies Teacher, expresses, “We are looking forward to building the bleachers and seeing them in use during September’s Fall Fair.”
Following the selection of the prototypes, the design for the bleachers was finalized, and students were divided into small groups to begin the build in early May. This process started with ordering the necessary building materials. During the semester, students worked collaboratively to apply their knowledge and learning to complete this project.
As students complete the final stage of their ICE Challenge, one student shares how interesting the staining process is and how this stage has been a much-anticipated step since undertaking the project, “I love staining. Staining is my personal favourite”. Another student adds, “I am enjoying staining. Staining is pretty fun.”
Each stage of this project has been full of learning opportunities. One student noted that “putting it together, figuring out what to do, and navigating the ups and downs has made the project rewarding to see it come together.” This student continues, “Seeing it built is something I can really look at and appreciate. I’m definitely going to be happy to see this at the Fall Fair”.
Another student shares that the most rewarding part is to “be able to come to school and do something truly enjoyable.” Through SHSMs, students can learn in a hands-on way that provides transferrable skills for occupations in the construction sector.
Visit the Pathways Planning & Experiential Learning webpage to learn more about Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) offerings and other pathways and experiential learning opportunities available to secondary students across DSB1.