To my knowledge, no Canadian airline requires a degree. I believe Air Canada says something about at least 2 years post secondary, but even there much of their hiring comes from Jazz, and Jazz doesn't have that requirement. Westjet doesn't have a post secondary requirement, however it is an asset.
He can do the flying through a club (I actually got my licenses through the Calgary Flying Club), then look to get some post secondary in something non aviation as a bit of a plan B. What the post secondary is in doesn't really matter. Or he can just go to a college program and get his 2 years while getting his licenses. Having a specific college program won't typically make a difference in getting a job. The biggest benefit to that type of program in the job market is the network that you develop with all your classmates. There is a group of you that are all helping each other get jobs, and that can last the rest of your career. If a person gets their licenses through a club that network tends to be much smaller.
I'd probably recommend a college program for that reason, and you get your 2 years of post secondary in case it is needed. But doing a flying club and maybe getting some education in another area that interests you is also an option.
Military is good, if you make it through aircrew selection. Most military pilots do their 20 years to get their good pension, then move on to an airline after that. It's good, if it's the route a person decides to go.
As others have said, the big thing is to be prepared for a number of years working low paying jobs trying to get to one of the top jobs. It can be a long road, and there's no guarantee you'll make it to a 'dream' job. But there are lots of different and still good jobs.
I've certainly had ups and downs in my career, but I've never regretted my choice. I've enjoyed the whole journey and I still enjoy going to work.
Feel free to ask me any more questions.
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