In-Demand Jobs in Canada for Semi and Low-Skilled Workers

Canada has set its sights high, intending to welcome more than a million new immigrants by 2023. It desperately needs talented foreign workers of all skill levels to fill the present labor deficit. The best part is that overseas skilled employees will be invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada through various immigration processes.

All of this seems well and good, but navigating the Canadian immigration system can be very difficult. You don't want to have your application refused, given that there are more than 70 ways to travel to Canada and severe rules and deadlines regarding form completion and submission. Many optimistic foreigners are unaware of the importance of hiring qualified immigration consultants to do a paid immigration evaluation, which could spell the difference between having to reapply and beginning your new life in Canada.

Numerous applications have been rejected because of incomplete or poorly completed paperwork or a lack of supporting documentation. Knowing your NOC (National Occupational Classification) code can help determine which type of skilled worker you come under, which is one of the trickiest aspects of the application process. This makes it easier to decide which programs you're eligible for. It's crucial to remember that your NOC code needs to be supported by paperwork to be valid.

Keep reading to find out more about jobs in Canada for unskilled workers.

What are the Job Skill Levels in Canada?

Work skill levels in Canada are broken down into skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled categories.

High skilled jobs

High-skilled jobs typically call either a university degree, a college degree, or an apprenticeship. Typically, this comprises management positions and those in the legal, social, and community services sectors.

Semi/low-skilled jobs

This includes jobs that typically require a secondary education and jobs that may require job-specific or on-the-job training. This covers trade, service, transportation, and sales work.

Unskilled jobs

This covers work in the manufacturing and utility sectors and the natural resource, agricultural, and associated production sectors.

Top 10 In-Demand Semi and Low-Skilled Worker Jobs in Canada

In Canada, qualified foreign employees must fill many semi-skilled and low-skilled job openings immediately. Here is a list of Canada's top 10 most sought-after semi- and low-skilled open positions:

Long-Haul Truck Driver (NOC 7511)

As of November 2015, the most common occupation for semi or low-skilled workers is a long-haul truck driver. Drivers are responsible for transporting goods from one point to another, usually over long distances. The job requires a commercial driver's license, the ability to drive a truck for long periods, and passing a DOT physical examination. Drivers typically work independently, but a company may also employ them to make deliveries. They must have extensive knowledge of state driving regulations, truck safety rules, and loading methods.

A majority of drivers are required to use interstate highways with weight restrictions. They need to be able to handle adverse conditions such as inclement weather, traffic jams, unpaved roads, steep grades, and rough terrain. The pay for long-haul drivers varies depending on the size of their employer or if they own their own business. The average annual salary of a long-haul truck driver in Canada is $48,384.

Front desk hotel manager (NOC 0632)

A Front Desk Hotel Manager in Canada can work for a hotel, resort, inn, or motel. The job requires long hours but benefits from being in an environment that provides social interaction. The position requires attention to detail and exceptional customer service skills. They oversee all front desk activities and provide excellent customer service. They must know local attractions, such as restaurants, shopping centers, and tourist destinations. They also need to be knowledgeable about airport procedures and transportation schedules to provide accurate information to customers traveling out of town. The average annual salary of a front desk hotel manager in Canada is $41,096.

Executive housekeepers (NOC 6312)

A housekeeper is a cleaning professional who cleans houses, apartments, offices, and other commercial spaces. Typically, executive housekeepers are hired to clean top-tier homes or high-end luxury hotels. They typically earn $14-$25/hour. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this job has one of the lowest average salaries. The average salary is $28,889 per year.

Industrial butchers and meat cutters (NOC 6331)

Some of the skills required for this position are basic arithmetic, good physical strength, and agility, manual dexterity with hands and fingers, the ability to work fast for long periods without tiring out, consistency, accuracy, and attention to detail. Consequently, being an Industrial Butcher or Meat Cutter requires dedication and hard work as it can be a physically demanding job that requires one to cut through animal carcasses all day. The average annual salary of industrial butchers is $33,287. 

Food and beverages servers (NOC 6513)

Job Description for Food and Beverage Servers in Canada: Food and Beverage Servers serve food, beverages, and other items to patrons in dining or drinking establishments. They may work at full-service restaurants, fast food outlets, hotels, casinos, catering companies, fairs, and festivals. Some workers may specialize in food preparation, such as salads or desserts. These servers must closely monitor customers' needs and adjust their service accordingly. Many Food and Beverage Servers have the potential to become managers of their restaurants someday if they work hard enough! The average annual salary of food and beverage servers in Canada is $23,400.

General farmworkers (NOC 8431)

Jobs in the farming industry are plentiful for semi-skilled workers. This is an excellent opportunity if you don't mind getting your hands dirty. General farmworkers help with duties like harvesting, planting, harvesting, and transporting fruits, vegetables, grains, and other crops. They also help with transporting goods to marketplaces or storage facilities and performing routine maintenance on equipment. Most importantly, they monitor pests and weeds to ensure healthy crops. The average annual salary for general farmworkers in Canada is $23,264.

Livestock Workers (NOC 8252)

Canada's Livestock Workers are in high demand. Livestock workers are responsible for caring for livestock by feeding, watering, grooming, and cleaning their pens, barn or paddocks. They also care for the animals by providing veterinary treatment when necessary. The average annual salary of livestock workers in Canada is $33,150.

Welders (NOC 7237)

The average annual salary of welders in Canada is $39,546.

Pipefitter (NOC 7252)

The average annual salary of a pipefitter in Canada is $63,980.

Industrial Electrician (NOC 7242)

The average annual salary of an industrial electrician is $76,050.

How to Immigrate to Canada as a Semi/ Low-Skilled Worker

The Provincial Nominee Program is the most effective route for semi-skilled workers looking to immigrate to Canada (PNP). 11 of Canada's 13 provinces and territories have their PNPs, each with unique requirements and in-demand professions that address a particular labor market need. You are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada if your occupation is in high demand in a particular province or territory.

Candidates receive an additional 600 points to add to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score when they receive a provincial nomination, effectively ensuring that they will receive an ITA. The top 3 provinces having categories or streams created especially to help unskilled or low-skilled workers move to Canada are Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.