News

TVDSB announces new Specialist High Skills Major programs

May 28, 2010

Friday, May 28, 2010 – Thames Valley students will have even more opportunity this fall to gain practical work skills in specific economic sectors while working on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Six new Specialist High Skills Major programs will be offered in September in transportation technology, hairstyling and aesthetics, and theatre arts – adding to eight existing programs focusing on sectors such as construction, agriculture and hospitality.

“The Specialist High Skills Major is valuable because students get to focus their education on a particular employment sector,” says Frank Galizia, Learning Supervisor for Student Success. “It lets students concentrate on a career path that matches their skills and interests.”

The Thames Valley District School board was one of the first in Ontario to launch a Specialist High Skills Major program in 2006. Today, there are 800 programs accommodating 20,000 students at schools across the Ontario.

In addition to gaining specific skills while working on a diploma, the Specialist High Skills Major program also assists students to make the transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace.  

Students have the opportunity to gain important skills on the job with actual employers, at skills training centres and at school and can earn valuable industry certifications, including first aid and CPR qualifications.

The new programs include Transportation Technology at Arthur Voaden S.S., Clarke Rd S.S., Glendale H.S. and Ingersoll D.H.S.; Hairstyling and Aesthetics at Arthur Voaden S.S.; and Theatre Arts at Woodstock C.I.

See following page for a full list of Specialist High Skills Major programs.

For More Information:

Frank Galizia, Student Success Leader
Thames Valley District School Board, 1250 Dundas Street E. London N6A 5L1
519-452-2000 ext. 20389   f.galizia@tvdsb.on.ca

Thames Valley District School Board (SHSM) Program offerings for the 2010/2011 school year:

A.B. Lucas Secondary School

     -   Construction (CTA Program)

Arthur Voaden Secondary School

-         Arts & Culture (New)

-         Hospitality and Tourism

-         Transportation (New)

Clarke Road Secondary School

-         Transportation Technology

College Avenue Secondary School

-         Construction

-         Agriculture (New)

Glendale High School

-         Transportation Technology

H.B. Beal Secondary School

     -   Arts & Culture

     -   Manufacturing Technology (YES program)

Huron Park Secondary School

-         Horticultural & Landscaping

Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute

-         Transportation Technology (New)

Woodstock Collegiate Institute

-         Arts & Culture (New)

West Elgin Secondary School

-         Agriculture