Specialist High Skills Major

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a Ministry of Education approved program that provides Ontario Secondary School students in grades 11 and 12 with specialized learning opportunities. Students are able to tailor their education to suit their interests and talents while earning credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

SHSM programs and trainings focus on hands-on, career-relevant experiences and prepare students for opportunities after graduation such as apprenticeship, post-secondary education or the workplace.

The City of Brampton’s Recreation division is excited to offer courses and trainings that are recognized by the SHSM program.

By participating in SHSM recognized programs, students will:

Achieve certifications and training related to the health and recreation industry.
Shadow Recreation employees to participate in Sector Partnered Experience (SPE) opportunities.
Experience practical learning and career exploration through career talks and/or job shadowing.
Build relationships and have the opportunity to interview Recreation employees that fulfill career exploration experiences.

How to Register

Program registration is available throughout the school year and should be completed through the student’s secondary school. Parents are asked to connect with their child’s school to complete registration.

Teachers and/or guidance counsellors overseeing the SHSM program can email community.programs@brampton.ca with their request. Educators will be connected with their closest community centre to schedule a booking that accommodates the school.

Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship Training (ICE)

The City of Brampton offers ICE training sessions in a variety of sectors, including Health and Wellness and Non-Profit. By participating in ICE training, students will learn through empathy and need-finding, ideation and prototyping, and strategy and testing. Trainings are facilitated by qualified City of Brampton staff. For more information on trainings, time commitment and cost, please view the informational brochure here.

Specialist High Skills Major Programs

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR C) with Automated External Defibrillation (AED) Certification

Certification will be through the Lifesaving Society. This course covers all aspects of CPR skills and theory for adult, child and infant victims including 2 rescuer CPR skills. Teaches the importance of early defibrillation and how to use an AED.

Location(s): at school or community centres
Hours required: 4
Price per student: $50.85

Standard First Aid with CPR C and AED Certification

Certification will be issued through the Lifesaving Society. Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid. Standard First Aid incorporates Emergency First Aid and is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding. Covers all aspects of CPR skills and theory for adult, child and infant victims, including 2 rescuer CPR skills. Teaches the importance of early defibrillation and how to use an AED.

CPR C certification is included in Standard First Aid
Subject areas: legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, chest injuries, and medical emergencies
Required materials: Canadian First Aid Manual (charged at time of registration)
Location(s): at schools or community centres
Hours required: 16
Price per student: $84.06

Advanced Training in a Technique: Paddling (Canoe, Kayak, or Stand-up Paddleboard)

Participants will learn efficient paddling techniques, proper balance in the boat, and how to stay safe on the water. Course content will include exiting, and re-entering overturned canoes and kayaks using solo and assisted techniques as well as how to stay safe if your boat submerges. Certificate of Participation provided upon successful completion.

Prerequisite: no swimming ability required, but participants must be comfortable in deep water with a lifejacket
Location(s): Professor's Lake Recreation Centre
Hours required: 4
Price per student: $22.00

Advanced Training in a Technique: Ski or Snowboard

Skiing: participants will learn equipment basics and how to conduct straight runs, glide on slopes, and link snow plow turns from the top of the hill. As participants progress, they will learn to ski in a wedge at increased speeds with emphasis on positive weight transfers. Certificate of Participation provided upon successful completion.

Snowboarding: participants will learn equipment basics and how to perform basic pendulum turns while learning to control speed and direction while completing both basic and advanced turns. Certificate of Participation provided upon successful completion."

Location(s): Mount Chinguacousy (Chinguacousy Park)
Hours required: 4
Price per student: $25.00

Advanced Training in a Technique: Curling

This program will teach the fundamentals of curling. Participants will learn the rules, sweeping, strategy, and throwing rocks. Technical skills will be taught through instruction as well as game play. Certificate of Participation provided upon successful completion. Minimum 8 students required.

Required equipment: athletic attire, clean indoor running shoes or curling shoes
Location(s): Chinguacousy Park Curling Club or Brampton Curling Club
Hours required: 4
Price per student: $28.80 (8 students); $20.08 (16 students)

Advanced Training in a Technique: Rock Climbing

Learn the fundamentals of rock climbing including basic foot work, different hand holds, proper balance, reading climbs, and much more. This class also incorporates climbing safety, basic movements and fun games. Certificate of Participation provided upon successful completion.

Location(s): Ken Giles Recreation Centre
Hours required: 4
Price per student: $22.00

Advanced Training in a Technique: Gymnastics

This program develops and advances gymnastic skills using the rings, vault, beam, bars and a large mat area. Previous experience is not required. Certificate of Participation provided upon successful completion.

Required equipment: comfortable clothing
Location(s): Ken Giles Recreation Centre
Hours required: 4
Price per student: $22.00

Advanced Training in a Technique: Archery

Participants will learn parts of the bow and arrow, proper shooting technique including stances, release, follow-through and anchor points. Certificate of Participation provided upon successful completion.

Location(s): Eldorado Park or Professor's Lake Recreation Centre
Hours required: 4
Price per student: $22.00

Lifesaving Bronze Medallion Cross

Certification will be issued through the Lifesaving Society. Designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training, including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. Lifesaving Society Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for all advanced training programs, including Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard and Lifesaving Society Instructor Certification.

Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion
Location(s): at community centres with pools
Hours required: 24
Price per student: TBD

HIGH FIVE®: Principles of Healthy Child Development (PHCD)

This one-day training will help front-line leaders improve the quality of programs. It provides in-depth training in Principles of Healthy Child Development for front-line leaders to understand what they need to do to ensure each child's social, emotional and cognitive needs are met. Certificate of Participation provided upon successful completion.

Subject areas: bullying, conflict resolution, physical literacy, children's mental health and moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Location(s): at school or community centres
Hours required: 8
Price: $79.95 per student

HIGH FIVE®: QUEST 2

This one-day training helps supervisors improve risk management in children's programs by learning how to measure quality with the HIGH FIVE® scientifically-validated QUEST 2 Tool. Supervisors will use the QUEST 2 Tool and learn how to enter their data into the HIGH FIVE® Database to track their organization's progress as well as identify areas in need of improvement. Certificate of Participation provided upon successful completion.

Prerequisites: HIGH FIVE® PHCD or HIGH FIVE® Sport
Location(s): at school or community centres
Hours required: 8
Price per student: $118.90

Instructor Certification: Ski or Snowboard Instructor in Training

This program is for participants interested in learning how to teach Skiing or Snowboarding. Learn teaching techniques, and developing your own skills.

Prerequisites: Participant must be a Level 5 Skier or Level 3 Snowboarder.
Location(s): Mount Chinguacousy (Chinguacousy Park)
Hours required: 8
Price per student: $50.00

Instructor Certification: Gymnastics Instructor in Training

Take the lead and join us in this unique program that will focus on learning how to use your athletic skills to coach gymnastics. Emphasis on learning, coaching and teaching in the classroom and in coaching placements will be stressed. Participants will work on a variety of gymnastics skills and drills. This program is ideal for gymnasts, dancers, cheerleaders and acro ropers who want to utilize their skill set and experience to help them get a job as a gymnastics coach.

Location(s): Ken Giles Recreation Centre
Hours required: 8
Price per student: $112.76