Former SHSM Students Have Their Say
“The Specialist High Skills Major finally gave me a career focus for my interests and skills. I graduated from Humber College with a full-time job at Soulpepper, a leading Canadian theatre company.”
…Benn Hough, Lighting Designer and former R.H. King Academy student
“I started working in the constituency office of a member of Parliament immediately after high school and had to apply my knowledge from almost every course daily. Without question the most practical and useful of these classes was Arts Management.”
….Sarah Finlay, Assistant to MPP and former R.H. King Academy student
"Having the certifications and extra experience from co-op and participating in various workshops definitely benefited me in the long run for both university applications and job experience. I currently study as a 3rd year Drawing & Painting: Digital Painting & Expanded Animation (DPXA) Major in OCAD University, and owe a lot to my time completing the SHSM program for my admission to this University because I learned a lot of essential software programs that apply to my coursework and current part-time animation/design jobs I take on.
Having the CPR/First aid certification alone gives you a head start during the job hunting process, as you don't need to wait for your future employer to provide you the training.
I highly recommend taking part in the SHSM program if you want to get the most out of your high school experience. The trips and workshops are extremely fun, you gain lots of real world experience and skills which you can then use to market yourself as the best candidate for whatever school or job you wish to get it. I would gladly re-take this program again if I could!"
"The SHSM program was an opportunity to explore the creative workforce and to gain practical experience in fields I have interest in. It also equipped me with critical certifications I otherwise would not have gotten. Through SHSM, I was able to expand my knowledge in fields such as photography through practical techniques and advice from real professionals. The ability to ask questions and get real world answers from people in the field, helped build the confidence and foundation I needed to continue my artistic journey to this day. Resulting in being able to secure a spot in the film industry; and working with companies like Netflix and HBO. Even in these uncertain times of a worldwide pandemic SHSM has continued to open doors. The CPR certification as well as related safety training has aided in securing work even outside of my pursued career choice. Thanks to SHSM I am a valued worker in the trades with skills I thought I would never have used. So even with the uncertainty of the times where work is extremely competitive, SHSM has equipped me with tools to stay on my feet. Thanks to SHSM I am excited for the future of my career, and continued education. I recommend this program to all students. No matter if you are uncertain about your direction, or have a clear pathway; SHSM has something to offer to anyone. There is no replacement for experience and knowledge."
...Rafael Zoto, R H King Graduate 2020
"When I was in high school, SHSM provided me with so many practical, fun, and memorable learning experiences. One of the SHSM requirements is to fulfil a two-credit co-op in grade 11 or 12. I did mine with my middle school music teacher, and that experience solidified the path for my future career. Thanks to my semester-long co-op placement, I knew that becoming a music teacher was the path for which I was destined. In addition to the course requirements, being part of the SHSM program also meant that I had prioritized opportunities for arts-related field trips, like concerts and workshops from guest speakers, and that I was part of a community of fellow artists, with whom I could share my interests and expand my understanding of several other arts fields. I still keep in touch with a couple of the friends I met through SHSM, and I'm grateful for the time I spent building up those relationships. Any connection you have in the arts industry is a valuable one! If you're thinking about applying for the SHSM program, my advice is to just do it! At the end of the day, whether or not you choose to pursue a career in the arts, the SHSM program will give you the time and the space you need to foster creativity, build community, and learn so much about yourself along the way."
"I am currently working as a Host/ Producer at TVO for That TVOKids Show where I get to write, produce, shoot and edit segments and full episodes for the live show. I'm also host of an arts/crafts/music show on TVOKids called Backyard Beats that just won an international Kidscreen Award for Best Mixed Media Series and is greenlit for a season 2.
SHSM has helped me in my career to get to where I am today because it allows you to be open-minded and experience the different types of art sectors. I've had multiple freelance jobs in various different areas of media and those eventually culminated to where I am now, in a job that requires you to not just be skilled in one specific area in the arts but multiple. So SHSM's variety was very important in preparing me for my career I would highly recommend it to anyone interested."
...Monica Brighton, R H King Graduate, 2017
"I would highly recommend the SHSM program to any student. I was fortunate enough to get my current career in the arts industry. The SHSM program has prepared me in so many ways to be able to be where I am today. The certifications I received through SHSM were quite useful when I was studying in the music industry to now being employed in the industry as well. I was definitely overqualified for many opportunities I received due to the preparation and exposure that SHSM offered me. This program is not only for music students as it can be for any student. I have heard so many stories on how it has impacted others in different areas of employment and study as well. I am truly so grateful I had the chance to be enrolled in SHSM because it has set me apart on countless occasions and I have been able to use those skills to this day."
...Kristina Jansen, R H King Graduate, 2015
