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Hospitality and Tourism

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The  SHSM –Hospitality and Tourism enables students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace. Where local circumstances allow, boards may elect to offer one or more variants of the  SHSM in a given sector, each with a particular area of focus. This  SHSM may be designed to have a particular focus – for example, on tourism or hospitality. This focus is achieved through the selection of the four major credits in the bundle.

Required Components for the  SHSM –Hospitality and Tourism

The  SHSM –Hospitality and Tourism has the following five required components:

1. A bundle of nine Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits

These credits make up the bundle:

  • four hospitality and tourism major credits that provide sector-specific knowledge and skills. The four courses must include at least one Grade 11 and one Grade 12 credit, and may include one cooperative education credit related to the sector. (This cooperative education credit would be additional to the two that are required in the bundle; see below);
  • one in English; footnote 1 [1]
  • one in mathematics; and
  • one in science or business studies (or a cooperative education credit related to the sector, which would be additional to the two cooperative education credits required in the bundle; see below);
  • two cooperative education credits that provide authentic learning experiences in a workplace setting, enabling students to refine, extend, apply, and practise knowledge and skills outlined in the cooperative education curriculum as well as sector-specific knowledge and skills.

Note: Multiple credits in the Ontario technological education curriculum allow additional instructional time for the practice and refinement of skills needed to develop student performance to the levels required for certification, entry into apprenticeship programs, or participation in school–work transition programs (see The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Technological Education, 2009 , page 17).

2. Sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses/programs

This  SHSM sector requires students to complete a specified number of compulsory and elective sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses/programs, as indicated in the following table. Note : Where an item in the table is capitalized, it is the proper name of the specific certification or training course/program that is appropriate for the  SHSM . Where an item is lowercased, it is the name of an area, type, or category of training for which specific certifications or training courses/programs should be selected by the school or board. The requirements are summarized in the table below.

Four (4) compulsory

  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ( CPR ) Level C - includes automated external defibrillation ( AED )
  • customer service
  • Standard First Aid
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System ( WHMIS ) – generic ( i.e. , not site-specific) instruction

Two (2) electives from the list below

  • advanced training in a technique ( e.g. , paddling)
  • anti-oppression and allyship training
  • compass/map/global positioning system ( GPS )
  • dietary considerations
  • fire safety and fire extinguisher use
  • fishing guide
  • geographic information system ( GIS )
  • heritage interpreter
  • infection control
  • leadership skills
  • portfolio development
  • safe food handling – basic
  • spa etiquette
  • ticket agent
  • tourism – basic
  • wilderness survival
  • advanced training in a technology
  • cash handling and register training
  • cook/line cook
  • event coordination
  • first aid/ CPR / AED awareness
  • Food Handler Certification
  • guest services
  • housekeeping services
  • introduction to hospitality management
  • life-saving (Bronze Cross or higher)
  • project management
  • Smart Serve
  • spa service
  • wilderness first aid

3. Experiential learning and career exploration activities

Experiential learning and career exploration opportunities relevant to the sector might include the following:

  • one-on-one observation of a cooperative education student at a placement in the hospitality and tourism sector (an example of job twinning)
  • a day-long observation of a chef (an example of job shadowing)
  • a one- or two-week placement at a local tourist attraction (an example of work experience)
  • participation in a local, provincial, or national Skills Canada competition
  • attendance at a hospitality sector trade show, conference, or job fair
  • a tour of a tourism or hospitality business
  • assisting at a community competition or event
  • participation in a wilderness survival camp

4. Reach ahead experiences

Students are provided one or more reach ahead experiences – opportunities to take the next steps along their chosen pathway – as shown in the following examples:

  • Apprenticeship: visiting an approved apprenticeship delivery agent in the sector
  • College: interviewing a college student enrolled in a sector-specific program
  • University: observing a university class in a sector-related program
  • Workplace: interviewing an employee in the sector

5. Sector-partnered experiences ( SPEs )

Students engage with a sector partner and apply skills to gain insight into the relationship between this sector and ICE (innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship), coding, and/or mathematical literacy.

Pathways for the  SHSM –Hospitality and Tourism

See the table illustrating the four pathways and required credits leading to completion of this  SHSM

Awareness building (Grades 7 and 8)

See Section B3.4  for information on building awareness of  SHSM programs among students in Grades 7 and 8.

Exploration (Grades 9 and 10)

See Section B3.4  for information on providing Grade 9 and 10 students with opportunities for exploration of  SHSM programs. In addition, students considering this  SHSM can be encouraged to enrol in the following courses to become better informed about careers and postsecondary options in the sector:

  • Exploring Technologies: This Grade 9 course is recommended for all students following  SHSM pathways that have a technological education focus. The course provides students with opportunities to explore a variety of technologies, including hospitality and tourism technology, by engaging in activities related to them.
  • Career Studies (compulsory) and Discovering the Workplace: Some of the expectations in these Grade 10 courses provide opportunities for students to explore occupations and other postsecondary options in the sector and to participate in experiential learning activities.
  • Hospitality and Tourism (TFJ2O): This course is recommended for any Grade 10 student who is considering enrolling in an  SHSM –Hospitality and Tourism program.

Specialization (Grades 11 and 12)

Students acquire the sector-specific knowledge and technical skills required to earn their Ontario Secondary Diploma ( OSSD ) with an  SHSM –Hospitality and Tourism by completing its five required components. Students and their parents/guardians are encouraged to consult with guidance counsellors and teachers to select the courses that will enable students to pursue their goals.

Students pursuing an apprenticeship pathway should consider the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program ( OYAP ), which enables them to start an apprenticeship while earning their  OSSD .

Students pursuing a university pathway are advised to complete their required cooperative education credits in Grade 11, in order to allow room in their timetables in Grade 12 for credits needed to meet university entrance requirements.

When helping students plan their  SHSMs , particularly with respect to the selection of courses to fulfil the requirement for credits in the major, teachers should bear in mind that technological education courses can be offered as single-credit or multiple-credit courses.

Program Pathways:  SHSM –Hospitality and Tourism

This template shows program requirements for the  SHSM –Hospitality and Tourism in Grades 11 and 12, along with some of the additional credits needed for an  OSSD . It is provided to help guide students in choosing the credits they need to meet the  SHSM requirements in the pathway of their choice. Students should always review their pathways plan with their parents/guardians and their teachers to ensure that they have all the credits they need to graduate with an  SHSM –Hospitality and Tourism.

  • Shaded boxes represent required credits in the bundle for the  SHSM –Hospitality and Tourism.
  • (C) represents a compulsory credit for the  OSSD .
  • The  SHSM bundle of credits must include two cooperative education credits, but may include a maximum of four. The possible options are noted below, and explained fully in Section A1.2  of this guide.

* A contextualized learning activity ( CLA ) must be included in the course in schools that have committed to offering  CLAs (see “Other Required Credits” in section A1.2 ). (Note that students must take Grade 11  and Grade 12 English to graduate with an  OSSD , but the  CLA may be offered in either grade.)

** May be taken the summer before Grade 11

Note: To guide students and teachers in the development of their  SHSM program, schools can access the latest approved  SHSM course list for each sector through their  SHSM board lead.

Occupations in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector

The following table provides examples of occupations in the hospitality and tourism sector, with corresponding National Occupational Classification ( NOC ) codes, sorted according to the type of postsecondary education or training the occupations would normally require.

Apprenticeship Training

  • Bakers 6332
  • Butchers, meat cutters, and fishmongers – retail and wholesale 6331
  • Chefs 6321
  • Conference and event planners 1226
  • Cooks 6322
  • Accommodation service managers 0632
  • Food service supervisors 6311
  • Professional occupations in advertising, marketing, and public relations 1123
  • Restaurant and food service managers 0631
  • Travel counsellors 6521
  • Biologists and related scientists 2121
  • Dietitians and nutritionists 3132
  • Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety 2263
  • Airline ticket and service agents 6523
  • Executive housekeepers 6312
  • Food and beverage servers 6513
  • Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations 6711
  • Ground and water transport ticket agents, cargo service representatives, and related clerks 6524
  • Hotel front desk clerks 6525
  • Other customer and information services representatives 6552
  • Other service support occupations 6742
  • Pursers and flight attendants 6522
  • Receptionists 1414
  • Sales and account representatives – wholesale trade (non-technical) 6411
  • Theatre, fashion, exhibit, and other creative designers 5243

Note:  This information is based on the 2016  NOC . An update to the  NOC in 2016 resulted in changes to the codes and titles for some occupations, and in some cases to the occupations included in the group. For more detail, refer to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development ( MLTSD ) web page, Ontario's Labour Market . (Note also that some of the names of occupations listed here reflect common usage in the sector and may differ slightly from those used in the  NOC  system.)

Postsecondary Programs and Training in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector

The following are examples of programs and training related to careers in the hospitality and tourism sector and the accreditations associated with each.

  • footnote [1] Back to paragraph ^ Note that a compulsory English credit is required in Grade 11 and in Grade 12 for graduation with an  OSSD . Schools may determine whether the  CLA , if offered, is completed in the Grade 11 or Grade 12 English course.

hospitality & tourism shsm

Hospitality & Tourism SHSM

Get a jump-start on your career.

A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) allows you to focus on a career area that interests you while you earn your high school diploma. Experience a range of customized learning opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sector. No matter what path you plan to pursue after high school—apprenticeship, college, university or workplace training—a hospitality and tourism major can help you focus on and explore a future career.

What are the advantages?

SHSM students will:

EXPERIENCE first hand what a career in health & wellness feels and looks like

DISCOVER the relationship between school and careers

NETWORK with postsecondary institutions, local industries and businesses

EARN industry recognized certifications and training

OPEN doors for summer jobs and future employment

Unsure and want to learn more?

Fill our the form linked below and the lead teacher for the SHSM program you are interested in will contact you.

SHSM Information Inquiry Form

How do I choose a SHSM Program in myBlueprint?

When completing your course selection in February/March use the SHSM Planner in the High School section of myBlueprint to choose the program that interests you.

Here is a video on how to do this

hospitality & tourism shsm

Visit the OCSB website for more information about the Hospitality & Tourism SHSM program.

SIGN UP FOR SHSM NOW!

hospitality & tourism shsm

Hospitality & Tourism

Program overview....

The Hospitality & Tourism SHSM is a fantastic opportunity for students to focus on exploring career paths, while matching their skills, interests, and talents in a experiential learning environment.

The five tourism industries in Canada include opportunities in hospitality and tourism, accommodation, food and beverage services, recreation and travel services. Tourism in Ontario is a dynamic, growing sector. Prospects for satisfying employment and career advancement in the hospitality industry have never been better, locally and worldwide. 

The options are endless for students interested in developing their skills in this industry. Successful completion of the program provides opportunities for students as a skilled chef, hotel/resort manager, food industry sales rep, food and beverage server, flight attendant, and so many more! 

This program opportunity allows students to gain valuable transferable skills and training opportunities in pursing multiple pathways after high school.

Why Get Involved?

Involved in promoting local community events

Provide catering services internally and externally

Promote and advertize school-lead fundraisers 

Networking with local hospitality businesses

Participate in a wilderness survival camp and Skills Canada competitions

Touring of local Colleges, Universities and Hotels

Graduate with a SHSM seal of designation on your secondary school diploma

Earn a Specialist High Skills Major designation on your OSSD transcript

Gain valuable industry specific work experience and knowledge

Program Requirements...

In the H ospitality & Tourism major, students will take 9 credits in grade 11 and 12:

4 Hospitality & Tourism major credits

1 English credit (Grade 11 or 12)

1 Math credit (Grade 11 or 12)

1 Business credit or equivalent (Grade 11 or 12)

2 co-operative education credits to gain workplace experience that helps you refine, extend and practice your Hospitality & Tourism knowledge and skills

Additionally, students will have opportunities for:

Experiential learning, career exploration and reach-ahead activities in Hospitality & Tourism

Field Trips and planning school wide events

Future Career Paths...

For H ospitality & Tourism majors, possible career paths include:

​Apprenticeship – baker, butchery, chef, conference event planner, line cooks

College – accommodation service managers, food service, travel co unselors, food advertising, marketing, and public relations

University – biologists, dietitians, nutrition ists, public health inspector, occupational health and safety

Entry level workplace –  food and beverage servers, a irline service agents, hotel front desk clerks, flight attendant, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related supporting occupations

Hospitality & Tourism Students...

hospitality & tourism shsm

Blue Mountain Resort Tour

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Charcuterie Board Custom Wood Working Collaboration

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Mushroom Arancini Lab

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Fresh Beef & Vegetable Stew

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Fresh Pasta Lab

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Toronto Marlies Career Forum

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California Rolls- Sushi

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Ontario Peaches

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Mental Health Week- Smoothies

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IMAGES

  1. Modal: Hospitality and Tourism

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  2. Hospitality and Tourism

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  3. Hospitality and Tourism SHSM

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  4. Specialist High Skills Major SHSM

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  5. PVNC

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  6. Hospitality and Tourism SHSM

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COMMENTS

  1. Hospitality & Tourism - Specialist High Skills Major

    The SHSM–Hospitality and Tourism enables students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace.

  2. Hospitality and Tourism | Specialist High Skills Major policy ...

    The SHSM –Hospitality and Tourism enables students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace.

  3. HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

    gain work experience in the hospitality and tourism sector • See guest speakers and go on field trips to explore careers in hospitality and tourism • Gain a Sector-Partnered Experiences (SPE) component that includes one of the following options: Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) training; sector-delivered coding; or, sector-

  4. Hospitality & Tourism SHSM

    A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) allows you to focus on a career area that interests you while you earn your high school diploma. Experience a range of customized learning opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sector.

  5. Hospitality & Tourism SHSM - Google Sites

    The Hospitality & Tourism Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program is a fantastic opportunity for students to focus on exploring a career path that matches their skills, interests,...

  6. Hospitality and Tourism - SHSM - Peel Board Office Site

    No matter what education you plan to pursue after high school—apprenticeship, college, university or workplace training—a hospitality and tourism major can help you focus on a future career. Profile of the hospitality and tourism sector

  7. Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) - Hospitality & Tourism

    6 free certifications and training programs/courses in first aid, CPR, hazardous materials (WHMIS), customer service, basic tourism service and food handlers certification. Essential skills and work habits required in the sector.

  8. Specialist High Skills Major Programs - Hospitality & Tourism

    SIGN UP FOR SHSM NOW! APPLY HERE. Specialist High Skills Major Programs

  9. Hospitality and Tourism SHSM - St. Lawrence Secondary School

    The SHSM Hospitality and Tourism at Saint Lawrence enables students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace.

  10. St. Catharines Collegiate - Hospitality

    St. Catharines Collegiate has been approved by the Ministry of Education to offer the Hospitality and Tourism SHSM. Profile of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector. The tourism industry presents many advantages for employees because it offers a selection of well over 400 occupations.