“The SHSM program helped me discover that my passion for the medical field wasn’t enough to build a career on—and that’s when I found my true path in education and policy. Through certifications, hands-on co-op experience, and guidance from mentors, I developed real-world skills and confidence that shaped my career goals. I now feel ready to make a meaningful impact in education.”
– Olivia Henderson, Justice/Community Safety/Emergency Services
“The SHSM program played a crucial role in my transition into the workforce by equipping me with fundamental certifications. This distinguished me from other applicants, making me a desirable candidate for my first job!”
– Kylie Da Costa, Health & Wellness
“Being a SHSM will help jump start me into the construction trade as I already have a lot of training. My favorite training session was the CPR training because I am now certified to help save someone’s life. “
– Ian Swanson, Construction
“The certifications were the best : First Aid & Network Cabling (looks good on a resume!). The SHSM program helps you to get to know the industry better and helped me figure out what I liked or didn’t like.”
– Isaac Maw, Information & Communication Technology
“I’ve explored many different aspects of business and got to learn a great amount of information from the trips. The Personality Inventory Training at Conestoga College was fun because you got to learn about yourself and how you interact with others. You get to meet so many new people and you get to explore various aspects of your major through fun interactive activities.”
“I liked getting to experience and learn things that you don’t normally get to do at school. It’s a great way to experience your dream job before you’re hired. [My] favorite training session was 3D Animation where I learned about stop motion and even got to make my own.”
– Ashley D’Cruz, Information & Communication Technology
Resurrection CSS
“SHSM didn’t just teach me career skills- it helped me grow into someone with purpose, confidence, and direction. I entered the program unsure of my future, and now I’m starting nursing school not with doubt, but with experience, passion, and confidence.”
– Mary Boluwade, Health & Wellness
“Through SHSM, I had opportunity to take specific workshops which helped increase my confidence heading into a professional work environment. I look forward to continuing my education in welding at Conestoga next year!”
– Fiona Lane, Transportation
“I’d say to any grade 10 student to sign up for SHSM. It was really easy to get, everything was natural with the courses you are taking, the trips were good, and you can only benefit!
Also having the experience (like co-op and the training) really benefit you and gives you an edge. The co-op as well as a good practical application ,and gives me a good idea of what I want in the future.”
– Angelika Jarski, Business
“If you know what you would like to do in grade 11 & 12 look to see if there is a SHSM program that will fit with those courses. It gives you a great opportunity to gain more experience in your major. I have gained training that will help me in post-secondary education and in my future careers.”
-Nathan Mape, Business
“With SHSM, you get to do co-op and try out a career path you might be interested in. I liked doing co-op and getting work experience, because I learned I truly want to become a nurse and I am passionate about the Health Care field. You also get free certificates which would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars!”
-Heidi Ruetz, Health & Wellness
“The best part about SHSM was the free training sessions because I gained knowledge, resume boosters and it helped me realize what I want to do after high school. My co-op placement at a Physiotherapy office was fun. The program will definitely benefit me in the future because it gave me a head start in knowledge in my major.”
– Jenna Bushell, Health & Wellness
St. Benedict CSS
“The SHSM program gave me a clear path and hands-on experience to work in an intense, dynamic environment such as a hospital. During my co-op at Grand River Hospital, I collected real audit data, engaged with staff, and even shadowed doctors and nurses. It confirmed that I want to work in a field where I can make a difference in people’s lives- and SHSM made that future feel real and achievable.”
– Sara Niama, Health & Wellness
“The SHSM program was one of the most meaningful and memorable parts of my high school experience. As a naturally shy person, working in a physiotherapy clinic pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I gained confidence, learned to communicate professionally, and discovered a true passion for healthcare. Through certifications and co-op, SHSM gave me a strong foundation to pursue my dream of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives as a healthcare professional.”
– Alicia Di Cristofaro, Health & Wellness
In SHSM you learn so much and meet so many new people.
“I feel one step ahead of others because I have learned and experienced so much. My favorite session was Fitness Training. One can recognize the importance of physical health for mental alertness & physical health as well. Not only academics are important ; you learn focus and discipline”
– Mary Le, Health & Wellness
“SHSM helped me apply to college programs with a designing background. I am proud to announce that I have accepted the Urban Planning GIS program at Conestoga College.! Co-op influenced me tremendously because I fell in love with designing.”
– Liam McAllister, Information & Communicatons Technology
My favorite session was the Business Zoom Career Day – Various jobs exposed, good food, presentations were amazing.
“Co-op gave me experience in the world of banking and provided me with great references.”
– Ferhan Siddiqui, Business
“I have benefited in attending many training sessions and have learned about many other future job(s). (as I want to get into becoming either a Firefighter, Cop, or Paramedic) .”
– Gracie Robson, Health & Wellness
St. David CSS
“The SHSM program has positively impacted my individual confidence since it has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, surround myself with new people, while learning how I can make a difference in the world.”
– Emma Holden, Health & Wellness
“Co-op was great hands-on experience that I personally will remember for a long time; my co-op experience was well spent at Waterloo Nissan.
You get a red seal on your diploma, employers see it and like it.”
– Nick Lam, Transportation
“I really liked the small business session. It was informative and fun. The speaker was really interesting and fun to talk to. You get to meet new people with some of the same interests.
Wilfrid Laurier University asked whether I was an SHSM student. “
“I have benefited by obtaining a red seal. It will help my career by increasing my chance to get a job.”
– Francis Samson, Transportation
St. Mary’s HS
“The SHSM program has deepened my maturity, as I have been challenged to push my boundaries and embrace new experiences. Most significantly, SHSM has affirmed my career choice as a teacher.”
– Samantha Lickers, Health & Wellness
“I liked the fact that these programs are free because students my age wouldn’t be able to afford all these trips at full value. I am ready to work safely in my preferred work environment and I am aware of my rights as a worker. It’s such a privilege to have a program like this. “
– Dustin Etmanski, Manufacturing
“SHSM looks good on your diploma and helps for university. It’s not hard to complete. It gives you more background knowledge and reassurance that business is what you want to do.”
– Jennifer Guevara, Business
“You end up with a whole lot of great experiences and credentials that will help you in your future. I learned more about the variety of career in Health & Wellness and that what I want to do in the future. I am very glad I signed up for this in grade 10! “
– Christin Tabije, Health & Wellness
“If you know what you want to do in the future, start doing it now. It will put you so far ahead of your peers with a red seal on your diploma.
I have so much to put on my resume, First Aid and CPR stand out to an employer and having certifications will benefit me when I get into the skilled trades.”
– Rachel Jacquot, Construction
“One of my potential employers’ eyes flashed when I mentioned SHSM as part of my schooling. My favorite training session was the electronics soldering workshop at the University of Waterloo. Take SHSM -In future you will look back and thank profusely – guaranteed. “
– Christina Pham, Information & Communication Technology
“I liked the broad amount of courses you could take. Without SHSM, I wouldn’t have done the CPR training, or known about the other courses. It was a really good experience!”
– Carly Wangner, Health & Wellness
“You will Lovvveee SHSM! I recommend it for you because it gives you a chance to experience the life you want for yourself. It gave me a head start in the career I want, which is a RN.
The fitness training session was my favorite because it taught me how to keep healthy and active in a fun way.”
– Tanisha Johnson, Health & Wellness
“SHSM is a great program to get involved in with. When you are trying to get into programs and post-secondary school, SHSM is so helpful!”
– Daniel Guerra, Health & Wellness
“The best thing about SHSM ? The experiences! The Trips and training, and all of the things to put on your resume! I got many certificates that will help me in the future.”
– Michelle Duchesne, Sports
Monsignor Doyle CSS