How to start a career in the service industry?

The service sector covers a wide range of professions, from hotel, restaurant, and beauty salon staff to travel agents, educators, and bank employees. Anyone with the necessary skills can start working in the service sector in Canada. Many positions do not require a high level of specialized education. However, some professions may require certain certifications or courses.

Requirements for different professions

If you have decided to work in the field of education, we have provided a list of the most popular professions and the requirements for each of them.

Hotel staff

Certificates are not a requirement, but courses in hotel management can be useful.

  • Receptionists. Usually no special education is required, but it is helpful to have experience working with customers in similar positions.
  • Concierge. Experience in the service sector and knowledge of the city will be required.

Restaurant business

Certificates are required. For example, “ServeSafe” for food safety or “ProServe” for waiters who deal with alcoholic beverages.

  • Waiter/Bartender. Most employers hire with a ProServe certificate. Courses in service can also be useful.
  • Chef/Cook. Often requires vocational education (culinary school diploma) or certificates and experience.

Tourism

  • Travel agent. You need to know booking systems, for example, Sabre, Amadeus, and have a good understanding of destinations. Courses in tourism will be very useful. In Ontario, you will need a TICO certificate.
  • Guide. Most companies recruit guides with experience and a good knowledge of history and culture. A license or certificate may be required, depending on the province.

Health and Beauty:

  • Hairdresser/Cosmetologist. Professional education and license are required.
  • Massage therapist. Certification is usually required.
  • Fitness trainer. Certification from accredited organizations.

Trade services:

  • Sales assistant. Usually, no special education is required, but it is useful to have experience, especially in a highly competitive environment.
  • Cashier. Usually no certificates are required. Many companies are ready to hire even without experience, but the salary will be minimal.

Transportation sector

  • Taxi driver. You will need a 4th class driver's license, a driver's license and certification to work in a taxi.
  • Stewardess/steward. Special training and certification is required.

Financial services

  • Financial advisor. Certification may be required (e.g., CFP).
  • Insurance agent: A license is required.

Education

  • Teacher/tutor. Requires an appropriate education (bachelor's or master's degree) and possibly certification depending on the position.
  • Educator. Special education is required, as well as certification for British Columbia and licensure for Ontario. For an assistant educator, it is enough to have a high school diploma and an Early Childhood Educator certificate.

Information technology field

  • Technical support. Usually no special education is required, experience is enough, but IT courses will be very useful.
  • Customer service specialist. Experience in the service sector is important, as well as knowledge of languages.

To summarize, it is worth noting that many service professions in Canada do not require a highly specialized education, but having relevant experience, relevant certificates and courses will significantly increase your chances of finding a job. We also recommend that you check the specific requirements for each province, as they can vary significantly.