^Hi Smartale. First off, no, you do not need WES while applying for the student visa but you do have to take the academic IELTS. Second, no, it is not too late for you to go back to school - actually magkaedad lang tayo
. Maraming mas matanda pa sa akin dito. It is not an issue at all, and it isn't an issue in the Canadian workplace either, since it is illegal to deny you work because of your age.
To be frank, don't expect that you can work part time in your profession while you are studying. Your best bet is blue collar work, since not a lot of companies are willing to hire intenational students na temporary lang muna ang status dito. Ako nga, I had a well paying job in the Philippines and I basically could buy most of the things I wanted, travel occasionally, it was very comfortable nga. Pero I gave it all up. There are times when I miss my old life pero iniisip ko na lang ang goal ko to be a permanent resident here
No regrets naman sa decision kaya lang for now sacrifice talaga. And in your case, you have kids, it'll be worth it for them, you know what I mean? Maganda buhay dito pero hindi rin siya basta-basta.
It requires a sizeable amount to be sure. You are going to spend around P1M for your tuition (for a two year course). Masakit sa bulsa. Pero look at that as an investment you can recoup when you start working.
Good luck!