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Guidance » Pathways & Transitions

Pathways & Transitions

At GDCI we welcome students from Grade 7 right through to second year Grade 12. No matter your background or experience, GDCI has a spot for your student. GDCI prides itself on making a seamless transition into a program that is best suited for your student’s needs and goals. In consultation with Guidance, Special Education, Administration, Teachers and Parents, we work hard to develop a customized school experience that allows your student to flourish and work towards their educational and personal goals.

Please contact the school today if you are considering joining us! Call us at 519-524-7353 or email Susan Fickling in Guidance at [email protected].

Cooperative Education

Students have many opportunities to experience unique hands on learning at a variety of different work places as part of cooperative education. Just listen to what these former students have to say!

Check out our schedule for GDCI Summer Coop here!

Pathways

No matter what your student goals are, GDCI can provide a pathway to achieve those goals. Whether you are looking at joining the workforce, obtaining a skilled apprenticeship, developing lifelong skills or furthering your studies at college or university, GDCI has a program that will prepare you for success.

Our guidance department works closely with the community, post-secondary schools, community agencies and employers to find the right opportunities for your student. GDCI uses a Individual Pathway Planning program developed through MyBlueprint, along with many personal and individualized opportunities to ensure that students are thinking about the next step throughout their time at GDCI.

 

SHSM

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized, ministry-approved program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

 

SHSM’s assist students in their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace. These programs enable students to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge in engaging, career-related learning environments, and prepare in a focused way for graduation and post-secondary education, training, or employment.

Students who are enrolled in the program will complete sector-recognized certifications and or training courses as well as be part of career exploration activities such as field trips and hearing from expert guest speakers.

The requirements include:

 

 1) 9 required credits earned in Grade 11 & 12 – this includes 4 major credits, 2 English credits (grade 11 & 12), a grade 11 or 12 Math credit, and 2 co-op credits (Summer School co-op is an option)
 2) Mandatory certifications (Standard First Aid, CPR & AED, WHMIS)  as well as 3 or more elective certifications & training
 3) Participation in at least one “Reach Ahead’ opportunity
4) Participation in at least one Experiential Learning activity
5) A Sector-Partnered Contextualized Component (SPCC)


At GDCI, we offer 2 SHSM programs:

 

HOSPITALITY
 
The Hospitality Specialist High Skills Major program at Goderich District Collegiate Institute builds on the success of the culinary program. As part of our program, students plan, prepare, market and serve a wide variety of meals. Through connections with local food sourcing the students gain an understanding about the importance of farming and food processing in our everyday lives. Students also work on catering events that allow them to develop their food preparation diversity and customer service skills.  
 

What are the future career paths for a hospitality and tourism major?

For hospitality and tourism majors, possible careers include:

  • Apprenticeship – Chef, Pastry Chef, Special events coordinator, Line Cook
  • College – Executive Chef, Flight attendant, Food service manager, Hospitality Management Specialist
  • University – Nutritionist, Dietitian, Conference Hotel manager, Resort manager
  • Entry level workplace – Kitchen attendant, Service staff, Waiter, Dishwasher
 
More information about the hospitality SHSM can be found at the following website.