The High Skills Major certificate allows students to earn credits toward their high school diploma while developing skills and competencies through courses and real-world experiences aligned with their career interests. This pilot, launched in 2023, offers five certificates: Arts, Digital Innovation and Technology, Early Childhood Education, Health and Wellness, and Skilled Trades.
Why enrol?
Students increase their awareness of labour market options and can make informed decisions about their education and future. Students develop specialized skills, earn sector-valued credentials, and have opportunities to network with professionals and employers.
After completing all requirements, students earn a certificate in addition to their high school diploma. Plus, students can share their portfolio with post-secondary programs and employers.
How to Enrol?
Students interested in pursuing a High Skills Major Certificate should speak with their school counselor or HSM Lead.
Each school has an HSM Lead who can provide guidance on program requirements and support students in planning their pathway. Students are responsible for tracking their own progress and ensuring all requirements are met.
Ideally, students should begin planning for HSM during course selection in grade 9. However, students can enrol at a later point in high school, as long as they can complete all required components before graduation.
After completing all requirements, students earn a certificate in addition to their high school diploma. Plus, students can share their portfolio with post-secondary programs and employers, and can benefit from incentives, bursaries, and post-secondary recognition.
Incentives, Bursaries, and Recognition
Students completing a High Skills Major can access a range of incentives and recognition opportunities.
| Certificate | Partner | Details |
|---|---|---|
| All HSM Certificates | Saint Mary’s University Course Credits (ELEC 19XX) | Students receive 6 elective credit hours toward any undergraduate degree program. |
| Digital Innovation & Technology | Dalhousie University Course Credit (CSCI-1105) | Students receive 3 credit hours toward an introductory Computer Science course (CSCI-1105) at Dalhousie University by completing Computer Programming 12 combined with Dalhousie online modules. |
| Early Childhood Education | Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Course Credit (Professional Practice I) | Students receive up to a 60-hour reduction in the Professional Practice I placement requirement in NSCC’s Early Childhood Education program. |
| Willis College $1,000 bursaries | $1,000 bursaries are available annually, with one awarded per HSM Early Childhood Education school. | |
| NS College of Early Childhood Education (NSCECE) Waived Application Fees, Priority Enrolment | Students receive waived application fees and priority enrolment for eligible programs at NSCECE. | |
| Skilled Trades | Building Trades Advancement College $500 bursaries | Three $500 bursaries are awarded annually. |
| NS Apprenticeship Agency (200 hours) | Students receive 200 hours of apprenticeship practical credit through the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. |
Note: Additional incentives are in development
Other local opportunities may also be available, such as bursaries or awards offered by community employers or organizations. Community organizations, post-secondary institutions, and industry partners continue to work together to explore additional incentives and recognition opportunities for HSM graduates.
Interested in supporting HSM students?
We welcome partnerships that provide bursaries, awards, or other incentives. Contact us at careerpathways@novascotia.ca . Community support helps open doors for future graduates.
Participating Schools
Resources
Contacts
HSM Leads are the primary support for students completing the program. They offer guidance, verify checklists and portfolios, and sign off on required milestones.
Please note that the High Skills Major Certificate is an independent certification, and students are responsible for monitoring their progress and completing all requirements.
Students are encouraged to connect with their HSM Lead regularly.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Lockhart : Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education
email: TBD
Cristyn MacDonald : Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education
email: TBD
Greg Nix : Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education
email: TBD
TBD : École Beau-Port - Conseil scolaire acadien provincial
email: TBD
TBD : École secondaire de Par-en-Bas - Conseil scolaire acadien provincial
email: TBD
Dean Stevenson : Halifax Regional Centre for Education
email: TBD
Caitlin Parlee : South Shore Regional Centre for Education
email: TBD
Margie MacMillan : Strait Regional Centre for Education
email: TBD
Pernell Muise : Digby Regional High School - Tri-County Regional Centre for Education
email: TBD
Nick Brand : Shelburne Regional High School - Tri-County Regional Centre for Education
email: TBD
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
2021 Brunswick Place
PO Box 578
Halifax NS B3J 2S9
email: CareerPathways@NovaScotia.ca