Hello,
study gap makes a difference as while considering your appliction, Visa officer look at your file to ascertain of you are a genuine candidate with true intention of studying or working or settling in Canada. However, as mentioned earlier, if you have complete documents to support your work experience , you shouldn't have a problem. NOw, answering another user's post regarding why GAP should be a problem or if humber has already issued a condition LOA to a student - Well some prestigious colleges like centennial & Mc.GIll etc do not even issue LOA if GAP is of more than 4.5 years. However, if one obtains a one year diploma in his/her respective country, then these colleges accept students under SPP. Most of the prestigious colleges who are channel partner of SPP porgram follow SPP guidelines to the core and hence do not issue LOA as Visa approval chances are less.
One very important thing all must keep in mind is, SPP is a very good opportunity to all the aspirants, however, once you are denied a visa under SPP, you can't apply under SPP again and your file will go under General. SPP success rate is 99%. The reason CHC has introduced SPP is to make the process easier for students and for CHC. Also to eliminate applications with fake loans as one needs to purchase GIC.
Now, it's always good to consult people or consultants, however, you must visit CHC website of your respective country and in fact, in many countries VFS is a partner with CHC to assist applicants. So do review their website.
Lastly, indeed it is right time to apply as CHC website tweeted on their website in late 2012 that they need 50,000 semi skilled and skilled people. hence at the moment chances of getting visa for genuine candidates are bright.
Cheers!