At different points in time, several sectors of the Canadian economy have openings for unskilled workers to come live and work in the country. If you are versed in any of such areas, it’d make sense to find out about some of the unskilled jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship.
What is Considered an “Unskilled Job” in Canada?
As the name suggests, this is a type of job that doesn’t require one to have a skill, be experienced or understand most technicalities. Since most jobs in this category require manual labour or the use of the hands; having basic knowledge can fetch you employment.
Why Unskilled Jobs are Demanded in Canada
One may be wondering why jobs that require paper qualifications or even low-skilled jobs are not the only ones with openings.
As Canada continues to grapple with the challenge of getting skilled workers; opportunities are continually popping up in the unskilled jobs sector.
One of the major reasons for the popularity is the relativity of unskilled jobs to some of the country’s core sectors; more especially, the manufacturing industries. Unskilled workers, such as janitors, truck drivers and farm workers are allowed to migrate to Canada at different times in a year.
Categories of Unskilled Jobs in Canada
The country needs more hands to oil the wheels that keep Canada’s economy rolling. More often than not, immigrants from countries like Nigeria are needed to fill these positions.
Applying for any of the available unskilled jobs does require a bit of how the industry works and what is required of an average Joe.
With that being said, we present you with a list of unskilled job categories and some of the jobs you can hope to be hired to do.
1. Healthcare Support Jobs
As you know, healthcare services are among the basic services a government should provide to its citizens. Aside from the practitioners, such as Doctors and Nurses; other workers are still needed to keep Canada’s healthcare system working.
Job openings often include:
- Medical office assistants
- Healthcare aides
- Personal support workers.
In addition to knowing the basics of those jobs, applicants also need to develop and exhibit other skills, such as:
- Willingness to assist both healthcare givers and patients.
- Empathy and;
- Compassion
2. Agriculture and Farming
If there is one industry in Canada that needs more unskilled workers, it has to be agriculture and farming. From keeping farm equipment functioning accurately to growing foods; these workers have a lot of roles to play in the country’s agricultural sectors.
Examples of unskilled jobs in this area are:
Farm Workers
These unskilled labourers are required to tend to the farm and the crops therein. The job description often extends to:
- Planting crops
- Picking fruits
- Cultivating and harvesting crops.
To some, farm work is stressful and rightly so because of the maximum attention required. Yet, it can also be one of the most rewarding, especially when you consider that it is a seasonal job. Hence, one can do it and engage in some other unskilled job to earn more money.
Meat Cutters
The job description requires mastery of how to cut and prepare different kinds of meats for sale. If you have worked as a butcher in an animal slaughterhouse in Nigeria; taking up this job wouldn’t be a hassle.
In addition, meat cutters are required to be good at using sharp objects, such as knives.
3. Hospitality Industry
Hospitality and tourism is another economic sector where one can expect to find lucrative or high-paying unskilled jobs in Canada.
The influx of tourists every year creates further opportunities. You can get any of the following jobs:
Hotel Managers
You will be responsible for managing the affairs of the Canadian hotel that hired your service. This is ideal for a Nigerian or any foreigner who has held a similar position in the home country.
Housekeepers
Your job includes cleaning and maintaining homes. A housekeeper, depending on the job description may also be responsible for:
- Grocery shopping
- Doing the laundry
- Cooking
Restaurant Managers
Just like in the case of a hotel manager, this role requires you to take control of and manage the daily activities of a Canadian restaurant.
Examples of other unskilled jobs that fall under hospitality and tourism:
- Janitor
- Event planner
- Chef
- Bartender
- Sales manager
- General manager
- Receptionist
- Server
- Porter
- Concierge and;
- Operations manager.
4. Transportation Industry
Canada’s transportation and delivery sector continually needs people who have an idea of how to change gears and keep a vehicle in motion. If you are a car driver or know your way around driving trucks; there should be an opening for you.
Truck Loaders
These are unskilled labourers responsible for loading goods onto a truck before it leaves to deliver the same to the recipients.
Truck Drivers
These are specialists in driving a truck. To be qualified, you need to meet certain requirements, including:
- Having a valid driver’s license. You may also be asked to retake driving lessons.
- Exhibit the trait of being able to drive a truck and transport goods over longer distances.
- Being required to pass a medical examination.
Courier Service Providers
This set of unskilled workers in Canada are required to transport and deliver goods to customers, usually by land.
Knowledge of driving a dispatch bike or a courier van is required. For delivery companies using drones for dispatch; knowledge of flying a drone or any other unmanned aircraft is a plus.
5. Construction Industry
Canada’s construction industry thrives on both manual and automated labour, but the former is still in high demand.
Construction companies are continually looking to hire unskilled labourers for diverse positions:
Construction Workers
The average construction worker is comfortable with outdoor activities and has the physical strength and endurance to cope with the peculiarities of the job. They come in handy at construction sites.
Welders
The job description of welders requires knowledge of using heat and pressure to join two or more pieces of metals together.
In addition, extra skills are required:
- Knowledge of safety skills.
- Good hand-and-eye coordination.
- Precision is also important.
Other tasks in the construction and labour industry in Canada are:
- Material Handling
- General labour and;
- Site cleanup.
Read: How To Relocate To Canada From Nigeria
Best Routes to Getting an Unskilled Job in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
You may have the skills and “technical know-how” but still be unable to get an unskilled job offering visa sponsorship.
Here are the best options for getting both:
Provincial Nomination Packages (PNPs)
These are programs used by provinces and territories in Canada to offer foreign nationals an opportunity to work in the unskilled labour market.
Agri-Food Pilot Program
Scheduled for commencement in 2020, the Agri-Food Pilot Program allows foreign nationals to take up unskilled jobs in the animal production, agricultural and meat processing industries. It is also one of the best pathways to get a Permanent Residency (PR) permit as an unskilled worker.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot
Called the AIP for short, this program is made for unskilled labourers looking to settle in any of these Canadian provinces:
- Nova Scotia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- New Brunswick and;
- Prince Edward Island
Having a full-time, prior work experience in any of those provinces increases your chances of consideration.
Immigration Pilot Program for Rural and Northern Areas
This program helps foreigners find work placements in the rural and northern regions of the following provinces:
- British Columbia
- Ontario
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan and;
- Manitoba
Read: How To Get a Job In Canada From Nigeria
Conclusion: Unskilled Jobs Abound in Canada
Nigerians with DIY and basic skills are likely to find one or more unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship in Canada. By being strategic, one can also begin the process of getting a PR.
In addition to using any of the four (4) program routes, endeavour to find out if the skill you intend on offering falls into any of the unskilled occupations outlined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
Most importantly, your employer should be keen to sponsor your visa application and handle specific responsibilities, including signing you up for a provincial occupational safety insurance plan, offsetting your airline ticket costs and helping with accommodation arrangements.