Part 1
Check the job title first
A program name is not a career plan. The first test is whether it points to job titles that employers actually use.
- Write down five exact job titles the program should lead to.
- Search current Ontario postings for those titles.
- If postings use different titles, update your search before enrolling.
Part 2
Check whether employers ask for the credential
Some programs are helpful. Some are optional. Some are not enough without a licence, apprenticeship, portfolio, or experience.
- Look for repeated requirements across multiple employers.
- Separate must-have credentials from nice-to-have credentials.
- Confirm whether employers provide training after hiring.
Part 3
Check pay, outlook, and time
Use wage and outlook evidence before treating any path as worth the cost.
- Compare Job Bank low, median, and high wage bands.
- Check whether the occupation outlook is Good, Moderate, Limited, or not available.
- Compare time to enter with tuition, lost income, commuting, placement, and exam costs.
Part 4
Check the risk signals
Training risk is higher when the program is broad, the job titles are unclear, or the entry market depends on contracts.
- Watch for vague outcomes like business, creative, justice, or technology without exact roles.
- Ask about graduate job titles, not only employment rates.
- Check AI exposure and layoff/stability notes when they are available.
Common questions
Should I avoid school or training?
No. The point is to verify the path before paying. Some careers need training, licences, or programs. The risk is paying before you know the job titles and requirements.