In 2023, the Canadian government announced that it plans to welcome about half a million immigrants into the country to bolster its dwindling workforce. In recent years, a lot of Canadian workers have retired from their positions for various reasons, chief of which is old age.
As one of the safest places to live on earth, Canada is a sought-after destination for immigrants all over the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of migrants from all walks of life send visa applications to the Canadian government in hopes of being accepted into the wonderful country.
Ranked among the top ten countries to live in, Canada’s economy, public transportation system, and government-funded healthcare are among the best in the world.
Although highly educated individuals with college degrees in key disciplines like medicine and civil engineering are preferred by the Canadian government, there are many immigration and visa options for people who want to work in Canada without a degree.
However, you must file your application under the correct visa class for it to be considered. Before we dive into the top 5 jobs In Canada that do not require a college degree, let us first explore the top visa options available for workers without a university education.
Canadian Visa options for workers without degrees
1- The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows employers to hire foreign workers for temporary jobs that are in high demand or require specialized skills. You will need a job offer from a Canadian employer and a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to apply for this program.
2- The International Mobility Program (IMP) which allows employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA, based on broader economic, social, or cultural benefits for Canada. You will need a job offer from a Canadian employer and an exemption from the LMIA requirement to apply for this program. Some examples of IMP categories are the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, the Intra-Company Transfer program, and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) program.
3- The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories to nominate foreign workers who have the skills and experience to contribute to their local economy. You will need a job offer from a Canadian employer and a nomination from a province or territory to apply for this program. Each province and territory has its own PNP streams and criteria, some of which do not require a degree.
4- The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) which is a partnership between the federal government and the four Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island) to attract and retain foreign workers for jobs that are in high demand in the region. You will need a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces and an endorsement from the province to apply for this program.
There are three AIP streams:
- the Atlantic High-Skilled Program,
- the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
- the Atlantic International Graduate Program.
Although the first two streams do not require a degree, they do require at least one year of work experience in a related occupation.
Top 5 Jobs in Canada Without College Degree
1- Welding:
Welders use high-temperature welding equipment to fuse metals. They conduct inspections on the structures planned for construction to ensure they are strong enough, monitor metal pieces during the welding process to avoid overheating and control the size of a flame during the welding process. Welders can also maintain equipment so that it functions properly and is safe to use. The national average salary for welders in Canada is $51,803 per year.
To work as a welder in Canada, there are specific requirements you should be aware of. Let’s break down what you typically need for this occupation:
Education and Training:
- High School certificate.
- Completion of a three-year apprenticeship program or have a combination of over three years of work experience in the trade along with some college or industry courses in welding.
- Trade certification is compulsory in Alberta and available (though voluntary) in all other provinces and territories.
- Red Seal endorsement.
Professional Certification and Licensing:
Depending on the province, you might need to obtain certification from a regulatory authority before starting work. Here are some examples of regulatory bodies and their requirements:
- Alberta: Welders are regulated by the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) and the Alberta Advanced Education, Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).
- British Columbia: Welders are regulated by Technical Safety BC and Skilled Trades BC.
- Manitoba: Welders are regulated by the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner and Apprenticeship Manitoba.
- New Brunswick: Welders are regulated by the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification, Government of New Brunswick.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Welders are regulated by the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division, Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Northwest Territories: Welders are regulated by Apprenticeship and Trades, Government of the Northwest Territories.
- Nova Scotia: Welders are regulated by the Technical Safety Division, Labour, Skills, and Immigration.
- Ontario: Welders are regulated by the Ontario College of Trades.
Language Proficiency and Job Offer:
- 2 years of full-time work experience.
- Suitable language ability in either English or French.
- To meet the job requirements specific to your National Occupation Code (NOC) (which is NOC 7237 for a welder).
- A valid job offer for at least one year or a certificate of qualification from a province, territory, or federal authority.
2- Dump truck driver work in Canada:
A dump truck driver operates a truck to transport materials. Specific job duties depend on the projects they work on and the companies they work for. This includes driving a dump truck to various locations, moving large loads of material around a construction site, and transporting materials like gravel, asphalt, and dirt. Many dump truck drivers also help unload materials from their trucks and place them where they are needed at the worksite. The national average salary for dump truck drivers in Canada is $57,550 per year.
Truck drivers fall under TEER 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, with the NOC code 73300. To become a dump truck driver in Canada, there are specific steps and requirements you should be aware of. Let’s break down what you need for a successful journey as an immigrant truck driver:
Education and Training:
- Must have completed secondary school.
- Complete a three-month driving course from a designated school or college.
- For straight-body trucks, you may need a Class 3 or D license.
- For longer combination vehicles, you may require a Class 1 or A license.
- If you operate vehicles with air brakes, you’ll need an air brake endorsement.
- If you transport hazardous goods, you may need a TDG certification.
Provincial Regulations:
- Alberta: Regulated by the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) and Alberta Advanced Education, Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).
- British Columbia: Regulated by Technical Safety BC and Skilled Trades BC.
- Ontario: Regulated by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority and the Ontario College of Trades.
- Quebec: Regulated by Emploi Québec and the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec.
Age and Language Skills:
- You must be between 30 and 55 years old.
- Demonstrate good English or French language skills.
- Attest to being drug-free.
3- Sales executive role in Canada:
A sales executive facilitates communication between a company and potential customers. Their job can involve answering questions from customers about the products or services a company offers, introducing new products to the public, and meeting with clients in person or over the phone. Sales executives also negotiate contracts, close deals and maintain customer relationships. The national average salary for sales executives in Canada is $58,927 per year.
To become a sales executive in Canada, you’ll need a unique blend of education, skills, and experience.
Education:
- While no specific degree is mandatory for a sales executive role, acquiring a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field can give you a competitive edge. A degree provides theoretical knowledge about business principles, sales strategies, and consumer behavior.
Experience:
- Sales is an experience-driven field. Starting your career as a sales representative or sales associate can be an excellent first step toward becoming a sales executive. This hands-on experience allows you to cultivate essential skills like negotiation and customer relationship management.
Key Skills and Qualifications:
- Strong Interpersonal Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Strong Negotiation Abilities
- Customer Service Skills
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Proficiency in Software and familiarity with tools like Microsoft Office and CRM systems
- Good Problem-Solving Skills
4- Real estate agent job in Canada
A real estate agent helps people buy, sell, or rent properties. They act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, or landlords and tenants. They research the market, advertise properties, show properties, negotiate contracts, and handle paperwork. They also provide advice and guidance to their clients throughout the process. Real estate agents work on commission, so their income depends on the number and value of the transactions they complete. The national average salary for real estate agents in Canada is $100,000 per year.
To work as a real estate sales representative in Canada, there are specific requirements you need to meet. These apply to both real estate agents and salespersons according to the National Occupational Classification code 63101. Here’s what you typically need:
Education and Training
- Completion of Secondary School
- Basic Real Estate Training Course
Provincial or Territorial Licensure
- Alberta: Real Estate Agents and Brokers are regulated by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA).
- British Columbia: Real Estate Agents and Associates fall under the regulation of the BC Financial Services Authority.
- Manitoba: Real Estate Sales Representatives and Brokers are overseen by the Manitoba Securities Commission, Division de l’immobilier.
- New Brunswick: Real Estate Agents and Salespersons are regulated by the Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCNB).
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Real Estate Agents and Salespersons are overseen by the Financial Services Regulation Division, Service Newfoundland and Labrador, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Nova Scotia: Real Estate Agents and Brokers are regulated by the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission.
- Ontario: Real Estate Salespersons and Brokers are governed by the Real Estate Council of Ontario
- Prince Edward Island: Real Estate Agents here are regulated by the PEI Real Estate Association.
5- Plumbing work in Canada:
A plumber installs, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems and fixtures. They work with various types of pipes, valves, faucets, drains, and appliances. They also diagnose and troubleshoot plumbing problems, such as leaks, clogs, or bursts. They use various tools and equipment to perform their tasks, such as wrenches, saws, drills, and snakes. Plumbers can work for plumbing companies, contractors, or as self-employed. The national average salary for plumbers in Canada is $33.50 per hour.
To immigrate to Canada as a plumber, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Education and Training
- Must have completed your secondary education.
- Successful completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program in plumbing.
- Alternatively, you can accumulate more than five years of work experience in the plumbing trade, along with some high school, college, or industry courses related to plumbing.
- Good understanding of Mathematics, Science, and Blueprint Reading.
Age and Language Skills
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Demonstrate good English or French language skills
- Attest to being drug-free
