Manufacturing SHSM
Explore how you can set goals and reflect on your experiences in the Manufacturing 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:
Manufacturing certifications, hands-on production projects, design and prototyping activities, robotics or automation training, and industry placements in areas such as fabrication, machining, or engineering.
Example SMART Goal: Over the next 13 weeks, I will develop my welding and fabrication skills by completing a series of projects at my vocational school, focusing on precision in metalwork and improving my MIG welding technique.
Example Assessor: SHSM Lead.
Example log for ORB: Today I completed a welding project using MIG techniques, focusing on improving the precision of my weld beads. My control and consistency have improved.
Physically active, hands-on work such as assembling products, operating tools and equipment, working with materials, and participating in manufacturing or construction-style builds that develop strength, coordination, and precision.
Example SMART Goal: For the next 13 weeks, I will spend one hour per week focusing on building my physical strength and stamina through weightlifting and cardio, which are crucial for heavy lifting and long hours on the job.
Example Assessor: Fitness trainer or PE teacher.
Example log for ORB: Completed a strength training session today, focusing on upper body strength to improve my endurance for lifting heavy materials.
Volunteering through community build projects, repair initiatives, or organizations where students contribute to creating, assembling, or improving equipment and structures that support community needs.
Example SMART Goal: I will volunteer one hour weekly as an after school chemistry tutor as part of our school tutoring program. My goal is to help my students improve their marks by at least 10% on their final exams.
Example Assessor: After school club supervisor
Example log for ORB: Went over chapter 1 of our textbook and made sure they had good notes from class. Helped them with some of the hard question in our homework.
(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:
A manufacturing and design exploration where your team travels to participate in a hands-on build project in partnership with a community organization. You’ll learn how products or structures are designed and assembled, apply practical skills using tools and materials, and reflect on how teamwork supports successful builds.
Example Team SMART Goal (Bronze – 2 Days, 1 Night):
As a team, we’ll complete a 2-day journey designing and building a small structure or piece of equipment using basic materials. We’ll document our planning, building process, and final product, and reflect on how we collaborated to complete the project.
Example Assessor/Supervisor:
SHSM Lead Teacher, Industry Partner (e.g., Habitat for Humanity), or Approved Award Leader
Example Group Debrief (Progress-Focused):
Working on a hands-on build showed us how important planning, precision, and teamwork are in manufacturing projects. We improved at dividing tasks and supporting each other during the build. Next time, we’d spend more time planning our design and gathering materials before starting.
Career Pathways
- Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics 7311
- Electricians (except industrial and power system) 7241
- Industrial electricians 7242
- Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics 2243
- Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 7231
- Precision structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters 7235
- Tool and die makers 7232
- Welders and related machine operators 7237
- Chemical technologists and technicians 2211
- Drafting technologists and technicians 2253
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians 2241
- Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians 2233
- Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics 2243
- Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians 2232
- Other administrative services managers 0114
- Purchasing agents and officers 1225
- Purchasing and inventory control workers 1524
- Technical sales specialists – wholesale trade 6221
- Chemical engineers 2134
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) 2147
- Electrical and electronics engineers 2133
- Industrial and manufacturing engineers 2141
- Mechanical engineers 2132
- Metallurgical and materials engineers 2142
- Foundry workers 9412
- Machining tool operators 9417
- Material handlers 7452
- Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors, and testers 9522
- Purchasing and inventory control workers 1524
