FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q – When was Lockerby ICT established?

It was first established in 2018 and is Lockerby’s third SHSM program after Mining and Health & Wellness.

Q – What does SHSM stand for? How is it pronounced?

SHSM stands for Specialist High Skills Major. It is pronounced shiz-zim.

Q – What is SHSM all about?

All SHSM programs are designed to allow students to focus their learning in a specific area. The focus area for Lockerby ICT is Information and Communications Technology.

In all programs, students will get the opportunity to meet industry professionals and post-secondary professors. They will attend field trips to various institutions and facilities. They will earn certifications including CPR, First Aid and WHMIS at no cost. They will take part in hands-on experiential learning. And most importantly, students will have fun all while learning!

Q – What is ICT?

ICT stands for Information & Communications Technology. It covers a wide range of fields in both Information Technology & Communications Technology including:

Information Technology	Communications Technology
· Computer Programming · Computer Engineering · Video Game Design · Computer Hardware · Robotics	· Graphic Design · Animation · Video & Audio Production · Web Design · Video Game Design

While Lockerby ICT can be an excellent start for a career in ICT, it also offers plenty of skill development opportunities (graphic manipulation, web page design, spreadsheet creation and maintenance, …) for students interested in other fields.

Q – In which grade do students usually register for the Lockerby ICT SHSM program?

Students usually register when they are in grade 10. The four required core courses are grade 11 and 12 courses.

However, interested grade 9 students are asked to talk to Mr. Campeau to inform him of their interest as there may be early opportunities that come up. It may also be possible to take one of the core courses early while in grade 10.

It is also possible to register while in grade 11 if the program has room. Please contact Mr. Campeau for details.

Q - Is Lockerby ICT recognized by the Government of Ontario?

Yes. All SHSM programs are officially recognized by the Government of Ontario. If you complete the program, it will appear on your transcript and you will also get a special SHSM red seal on your diploma (see below).

Q – What happens if I do not complete the SHSM program?

You will not get the red seal on your diploma. Your transcript will not state that you have completed the SHSM program. However, you will still get the certifications that you have earned while in the program.

Q – Will joining Lockerby ICT take a lot of my time?

No. Most of the activities are part of your courses. And most courses (if not all) are courses that you would take even if you didn’t join the SHSM. You will have to go on a few field trips which take place during the school day. The one exception is the CO-OP placement which does require some time.

Q – What are the benefits of completing the ICT SHSM?

· A diploma with a red seal stating that you specialized in ICT;

· A transcript stating that you completed the ICT SHSM;

· Experiences related in Information and Communications Technology;

· Visits to ICT educational institutions;

· New skills related to ICT;

· Certifications related to ICT (such as Intro to Electronics, Intro to Computer Animation, …)

· Certifications in First Aid, CPR and WHMIS

· Real-world experiences during a CO-OP placement

Q – Will the ICT SHSM program help me get into a college or university?

Potentially. The certifications and experience that you gain from the program would help you when filling out applications which often ask about extra-curricular activities. These would also be helpful during any interview.

Furthermore, several universities and colleges in Ontario offer scholarships for students that have completed a SHSM program.