Some careers start fast (Food Handler, Security Guard). Others take longer but pay while you learn (Electrician, Plumber apprenticeships). This article gives you the exact steps, timelines, and costs for both routes so you can pick what fits your life now. Verified with Ontario regulators;
What we mean by high demand?
High-demand here means easier to find work: steady job postings, multiple employers, and frequent hiring across Ontario. This career listed here isn’t an immigration list.
Ontario High Demand Careers
Security Guard (Ontario)
Who it’s for: Customer-facing public safety; shift work.
Entry: 18+, eligible to work in Canada.
Training: ~40 hours (includes Emergency First Aid/CPR).
Exam/Licence: Provincial exam → ServiceOntario licence card.
Timeline: ~3–8 weeks (training + exam + processing).
Typical cost: $300–$600 total (course + First Aid/CPR + $39.55 exam + $80 licence).
Steps: Approved training → pass exam → apply for licence → job search.
Food Handler (Toronto & Ontario)
Who it’s for: Restaurants, cafés, grocery, catering, food prep.
Entry: No formal prerequisite.
Training/Exam: Short course + proctored exam; many providers.
Requirement: Ontario law requires at least one certified food handler on-site during every hour of operation.
Validity: Commonly recognised 5 years across Ontario; many providers set 70% as the passing mark.
Timeline: Same day to ~1 week.
Typical cost: Low (public health units and private providers).
Steps: Study → exam → save/print certificate → show employer.
Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Who it’s for: Compassionate, hands-on care in homes/LTC/community.
Entry: High-school completion (typical) + program screening.
Training: College certificate; many programs 6–12 months (often 28–32 weeks full-time).
Placements & checks: Clinical placements required; immunisations + Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) needed before placement (processing can take weeks).
Registration: HSCPOA registration is voluntary (PSW oversight authority).
Steps: Pick provider → enrol → placements → graduate → apply to roles.
Real-Estate Salesperson (RECO-registered)
Who it’s for: Sales-driven, commission-based career with flexible hours.
Entry: Age of majority; OSSD/GED (or equivalent); English proficiency.
Training/Exam: Pre-Registration program (approved providers) + simulation sessions → exams (centralised).
Timeline: ~4–9 months typical; 24-month maximum for Pre-Registration.
Typical cost: Pre-Registration ~$4,140 (pay-as-you-go) + RECO application/insurance/board fees.
Steps: Choose provider → complete courses/exams → find brokerage → apply to RECO → start.
AZ Truck Driver (MELT)
Who it’s for: Logistics/transport; safety-first; local or long-haul.
Entry: 18+, valid G licence, medical requirements.
Training: MELT = 103.5 hours minimum with an approved school (programs often include Z air-brake).
Exam/Licence: Road test → Class AZ.
Timeline: Weeks to a few months (depends on training + road-test slots).
Typical cost: $5,000–$15,000 (provider-dependent) + MTO fees.
Steps: Medical + knowledge → MELT → road test → AZ → apply to carriers.
Electrician – Construction & Maintenance (309A)
Who it’s for: Hands-on problem-solvers; indoor/outdoor job sites.
Training: ~9,000 hours total (apprenticeship) with paid on-the-job learning + in-school.
In-school: New 4-level curriculum is being phased in (2024–2026).
Exam/COQ: Certificate of Qualification with Skilled Trades Ontario.
Timeline: ~4–5 years.
Typical cost: Tuition for in-school levels + exam fee (earn while you learn).
Steps: Find sponsor/employer → register apprenticeship → in-school levels → hours → C of Q.
Plumber (306A)
Who it’s for: Mechanical aptitude; residential/commercial codes & safety.
Training: ~9,000 hours (apprenticeship) = 8,280 OJT + 720 in-school.
In-school: 3 levels (not 4).
Exam/COQ: Certificate of Qualification with Skilled Trades Ontario.
Timeline: ~4–5 years.
Typical cost: Tuition per level + exam (earn while you learn).
Steps: Employer sponsor → register → in-school levels → hours → C of Q.
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Who it’s for: Working with children (0–12) in centres/schools.
Training: 2-year ECE diploma (public/private).
Licence/Registration: Register with CECE to use the title ECE.
Timeline: ~2 years + registration processing.
Typical cost: College tuition; placements included.
Steps: Choose diploma → placements → graduate → register with CECE → apply.
Pharmacy Technician
Who it’s for: Detail-oriented; dispensing/safety in pharmacies and hospitals.
Training: 2-year CCAPP-accredited diploma.
Exam/Registration: PEBC exams + OCP registration (jurisprudence).
Timeline: ~2–3 years including exams/registration.
Typical cost: Tuition + exam/registration fees.
Steps: Accredited program → PEBC → jurisprudence → register → employment.
Dental Assistant (Level II)
Who it’s for: Chairside support + preventive/ortho tasks.
Training: ~1-year diploma to Level II competencies.
Regulation: Not a regulated profession in Ontario; employers commonly require NDAEB certificate for Level II duties.
Timeline: ~12–18 months including exam windows.
Typical cost: Tuition + exam fees.
Steps: Program → NDAEB → radiation safety as needed → hire.
Medical Laboratory Assistant / Technician (MLA/T)
Who it’s for: Specimen collection, lab processing, quality control.
Training: 1-year certificate/diploma; clinical placement.
Certification: Employer-preferred certification via MLPAO; CMLTO regulates MLTs (technologists), not MLA/Ts.
Timeline: ~10–14 months.
Typical cost: Tuition + optional certification fees.
Steps: Program → placement → (optional MLPAO/CSMLS certification) → hire.
Esthetician
Who it’s for: Client care, skincare, nails, spa services.
Training: College/private certificates; hours vary by specialty.
Licence: Not a compulsory trade in Ontario (employer standards apply).
Timeline: Weeks to months.
Typical cost: Program tuition + kit/supplies.
Steps: Pick specialty → program → build portfolio → job or self-employed.
Quick checklist before you enrol
- Confirm your training provider’s approval/accreditation (where required).
- Check exam windows/fees and any police/medical checks.
- For healthcare programs: verify immunisations and VSC timelines for placements.
- For apprenticeships/trades: confirm Skilled Trades Ontario registration steps.
- For costs: plan for tuition plus exams, licence/registration, and gear/supplies.
FAQ
Do all these careers need a provincial licence?
No. Some are regulated (e.g., Security Guard, AZ, Electrician/Plumber, Pharmacy Tech). Others rely on employer-recognised certificates (e.g., Food Handler, MLA/T, Esthetician).
Can I work while studying?
Often yes. Apprenticeships are paid. Many PSW, ECE, and MLA/T students work part-time in related roles.
Is OSAP available?
Public college programs are often OSAP-eligible; private training varies. Check program pages before you apply.
Are timelines guaranteed?
No. Intake dates, exam availability, and processing change. Keep a buffer in your plan.
Key takeaways
- Choose a path that matches your strengths (people-centred, technical, or driving).
- Verify provider approval and exam steps early to avoid delays.
- Apprenticeships spread costs over years and include paid hours.
- Short credentials (Food Handler, Security Guard) can unlock quick earnings while you train for longer goals.
