Transportation SHSM
Explore how you can set goals and reflect on your experiences in the Transportation 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:
Transportation certifications, automotive and systems training, hands-on repair and maintenance projects, and industry placements focused on areas such as automotive service, logistics, or transportation systems.
Example SMART Goal: Over the next 13 weeks, I will improve my knowledge of basic car maintenance by working on routine tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and battery checks under the guidance of my automotive class instructor or a local mechanic.
Example Assessor: SHSM Lead.
Example log for ORB: Today I learned how to properly change the oil in a car and performed a basic tire rotation. I’m becoming more confident with using tools and following safety procedures.
Physically active, hands-on work such as vehicle maintenance, using tools and equipment, performing inspections, and participating in mechanical or technical tasks that build strength, coordination, and precision.
Example SMART Goal: For the next 13 weeks, I will participate in weekly rugby practice to build my overall strength and endurance, which will help me develop the physical fitness needed for lifting heavy materials and handling tools in a manufacturing environment.
Example Assessor: Rugby coach or PE teacher.
Example log for ORB: Played a tough rugby match today, focusing on my tackling technique and building strength during scrums. I’ve noticed that my upper body and leg strength are improving.
Volunteering through community transportation initiatives, vehicle maintenance programs, or organizations that support mobility, safety, and access to transportation within the community.
Example SMART Goal: I will volunteer one hour weekly at a local community garage, helping with vehicle maintenance and assisting senior mechanics with educating the public about basic car care and safety checks.
Example Assessor: Community garage supervisor or senior mechanic.
Example log for ORB: Helped perform free oil changes for the community today and explained to vehicle owners the importance of regular maintenance. It was great to give back and share knowledge.
(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 transportation exploration where your team travels on foot to visit locations connected to transportation systems such as garages, transit hubs, or logistics sites. You’ll learn how vehicles and transportation networks operate and reflect on how they support movement in your community.
Example Team SMART Goal (Bronze – 2 Days, 1 Night):
As a team, we’ll complete a 2-day journey visiting at least two transportation-related locations. We’ll observe how vehicles or transportation systems are operated or maintained, document what we learn, and reflect on how we worked together to plan and complete the journey.
Example Assessor/Supervisor:
SHSM Lead Teacher, Transportation Industry Partner, or Approved Award Leader
Example Group Debrief (Progress-Focused):
Exploring transportation systems helped us understand how important maintenance, safety, and planning are in this sector. We improved at working together by sharing roles like navigation and documentation. Next time, we’d plan our route more carefully and prepare questions ahead of time to learn more from each visit.
Career Pathways
- Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers 7321
- Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics 7311
- Motor vehicle body repairers 7322
- Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, and other related mechanics 7334
- Other automotive mechanical installers and servicers 7535
- Other small engine and small equipment repairers 7335
- Air pilots, flight engineers, and flying instructors 2271
- Boat assemblers and inspectors 9531
- Deck officers, water transport 2273
- Industrial designers 2252
- Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians 2233
- Machine operators and inspectors, electrical apparatus manufacturing 9527
- Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians 2232
- Supervisors, motor transport, and other ground transit operators 7305
- Aerospace engineers 2146
- Industrial designers 2252
- Urban and land use planners 2153
- Air transport ramp attendants 7534
- Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors 9521
- Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations 7533
- Boat assemblers and inspectors 9531
- Bus drivers, subway operators, and other transit operators 7512
- Delivery and courier service drivers 7514
- Heavy equipment operators (except crane) 7521
- Other automotive mechanical installers and servicers 7535
- Railway yard and track maintenance workers 7531
- Retail salespersons 6421
- Service station attendants 6621
- Tire repairers and servicers 7445
