Nova Scotia High Skills Major Certificate

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.

Image
https://careerpathways.ednet.ns.ca/high-skills-major/streams-detail

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?

There is no formal application process. Students should notify their school counselor as soon as they know they would like to pursue a High Skills Major Certificate. Ideally, students should decide to enter the program during the course selection process in grade 9. However, students can enrol at a later point in high school, as long as they can complete all required components.

If students are currently enrolled in a recognized program such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Options and Opportunities (O2), or French Immersion, they can still earn a High Skills Major Certificate.

Participating Schools

The following schools will pilot one of five certificates: Arts, Digital Innovation and Technology, Early Childhood Education, Health and Wellness, and Skilled Trades. In upcoming years, High Skills Major will expand to more schools.

  • Avon View High School (Skilled Trades)
  • Central Kings Rural High School (Skilled Trades)
  • Northeast Kings Education Centre (Early Childhood Education)

  • Breton Education Centre (Health & Wellness)
  • Glace Bay High School (Arts)
  • Memorial High School (Early Childhood Education)
  • Riverview High School (Skilled Trades)

  • École Beau-Port (Skilled Trades)
  • Par-en-Bas (Skilled Trades)

  • Cobequid Educational Centre (Arts)
  • Hants East Rural High School (Skilled Trades)
  • Hants North Rural High School (Early Childhood Education)
  • Pugwash District High School (Skilled Trades)

  • Auburn Drive High School (Early Childhood Education)
  • Bay View High School (Skilled Trades)
  • Cole Harbour High School (Skilled Trades)
  • Eastern Shore District High School (Skilled Trades)
  • JL Ilsley High School (Digital Innovation & Technology)
  • Millwood High School (Early Childhood Education)
  • Woodlawn High School (Skilled Trades)

  • Forest Heights Community School (Skilled Trades)
  • Liverpool Regional High School (Skilled Trades)
  • New Germany Regional High School (Early Childhood Education)
  • North Queens Community School (Skilled Trades)

  • Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School (Early Childhood Education)
  • Richmond Education Centre/Academy (Skilled Trades)
  • Strait Area Education Recreation Centre (Early Childhood Education)

  • Digby High School (Skilled Trades)
  • Shelburne Regional High School (Skilled Trades)
For additional information, talk with your school counsellor.