Information and Communications Technology SHSM
Explore how you can set goals and reflect on your experiences in the Information and Communications Technology SHSM to not only earn your specialized diploma but also achieve the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Canada at the same time.
How you can link your SHSM experiences with Award Canada:
ICT certifications, coding and digital media projects, software and hardware training, and industry placements focused on areas such as programming, design, networking, or emerging technologies.
Example SMART Goal: Over the next 13 weeks, I will develop my programming skills by completing an online course in Python and working on small projects such as building simple apps or automating tasks. I will focus on improving my ability to write efficient code and troubleshoot errors.
Example Assessor: SHSM Lead.
Example log for ORB: Today I worked on a Python project to create a basic calculator app, practicing how to debug my code when it didn’t compile correctly. I’m getting better at identifying coding errors.
Physically active, hands-on experiences such as working with equipment, setting up technology, participating in team-based technical projects, and engaging in interactive simulations that require coordination and focus.
Example SMART Goal: For the next 13 weeks, I will play basketball twice a week to build my hand-eye coordination and overall fitness. This will help me develop focus, coordination, and stamina for long hours working on computers or managing IT equipment.
Example Assessor: Basketball Coach or PE Teacher.
Example log for ORB: Had a challenging basketball practice today, focusing on improving my passing and shooting. The fast-paced nature of the game is helping me stay focused and build endurance, which will be useful for my ICT work.
Volunteering through tech support initiatives, digital literacy programs, community workshops, or projects that help others access and use technology effectively.
Example SMART Goal: I will volunteer in the school’s robotics club for a couple hours every week. My goal is to improve our team’s robotics competition placement – we want to get top 3 in regionals this year.
Example Assessor: Robotics Club supervisor
Example log for ORB: Helped design the base model for the regional robotics competition. Had to tweak a few of the designs but hopefully helps make it run smoother.
(Completed as a team over 2 days and 1 night. Your team will plan, do, and review the journey together—learning through teamwork, challenge, and reflection.)
General Activity Description:
An ICT exploration where your team travels on foot through a community using digital tools to navigate and document your experience. You’ll visit technology hubs or spaces where ICT is used, learn how different environments rely on technology, and reflect on how digital tools support communication and innovation.
Example Team SMART Goal (Bronze – 2 Days, 1 Night):
As a team, we’ll complete a 2-day journey navigating a city using only digital tools such as maps and apps. We’ll visit at least two technology-related locations, document our journey through photos or digital media, and reflect on how we collaborated using technology to plan and complete the experience.
Example Assessor/Supervisor:
SHSM Lead Teacher, ICT Industry Partner, or Approved Award Leader
Example Group Debrief (Progress-Focused):
Using digital tools to plan and navigate our journey showed us how important teamwork and communication are in ICT. We improved at assigning roles like navigation and documenting our work. Next time, we’d plan our digital tools more carefully and test them in advance to make the journey smoother.
Career Pathways
- Computer network technicians 2281
- Telecommunications installation and repair workers 7246
- Telecommunications line and cable workers 7245
- User support technicians 2282
- Audio and video recording technicians 5225
- Broadcast technicians 5224
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians 2241
- Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) 2242
- Film and video camera operators 5222
- Graphic designers and illustrators 5241
- Information systems testing technicians 2283
- Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators 2175
- User support technicians 2282
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) 2147
- Computer programmers and interactive media developers 2174
- Information systems analysts and consultants 2171
- Software engineers and designers 2173
- Technical sales specialists – wholesale trade 6221
- Desktop publishing operators and related occupations 1423
- Other trades helpers and labourers 7612
- Residential and commercial installers and servicers 7441
- Retail salespersons 6421
