Best Full-Time Jobs in Canada That Don’t Require Experience
The classic Canadian job search problem: You need a job to get experience, but you need experience to get a job. It’s frustrating, especially when you need full-time hours (35–40+ per week) to pay rent and qualify for health benefits.
But here is the reality of the 2026 labour market: Employers in "unsexy" industries are desperate. While everyone fights for office admin roles, companies in logistics, resources, and field sales are hiring bodies immediately. They don't care about your resume gap; they care if you show up.
If you are willing to work nights or get your hands dirty, you can bypass the "experience trap" entirely. Whether you are a new immigrant or just restarting your career, these roles offer full-time hours and often pay better than entry-level degree jobs.
Here are the 5 best full-time jobs in Canada that legitimately require zero experience.
1. Train Conductor (CN / CPKC)
This is widely considered the highest-paying "no experience" job in Canada. The major railways (CN and CPKC) run massive training centers in Winnipeg and Calgary because they need people constantly.
- The Job: You aren't driving the train (yet). You are on the ground switching cars, checking brakes, and assembling trains in all weather conditions.
- The Pay: $80,000 – $100,000+ in your first year (Base + Mileage + Shift Premiums).
- The Consensus Verdict: High Pay / High Sacrifice.
- Pros: Incredible money for a high school grad. Full pension.
- Cons: You are on call 24/7/365. You will miss birthdays and holidays. It is a lifestyle, not just a job.
- Local Proof: Training often happens at the CN Campus in Winnipeg, where they pay for your hotel and food during the course.
2. Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) Camp Staff
Mines and oil sites in Fort McMurray (Alberta) or remote Northern Ontario need an army of support staff to keep running. You don't need to be a miner.
- The Job: Housekeeping (cleaning rooms), Kitchen Helper (peeling potatoes for 500 people), or Janitor.
- The Pay: $22 – $28 per hour + Free Room & Board.
- The Consensus Verdict: Great Savings Builder.
- Pros: Since your food and housing are free for 2 weeks, you bank 100% of your paycheque.
- Cons: You are isolated. Internet can be spotty.
- Where to Apply: Look for companies like Sodexo, Aramark, or Civeo.
3. Construction Labourer (Unionized)
Forget "cash jobs." We are talking about joining a union like LiUNA (Labourers' International Union of North America). They take beginners and train them.
- The Job: Moving materials, site cleanup, and spotting for heavy machinery.
- The Pay: $25 – $35 per hour (Total package including benefits/pension).
- The Consensus Verdict: Physical Grind.
- Pros: Weekly paychecks. If you show up on time, you are ahead of 50% of the workforce.
- Cons: It is hard on the knees and back. You work in -30°C and +30°C.
- Requirements: You usually need your own steel-toe boots (Green Patch CSA approved).
4. Business Development Representative (BDR)
This is the entry point to the corporate world. Tech companies in Toronto (Liberty Village) and Vancouver (Gastown) churn through BDRs.
- The Job: Cold calling people to set up appointments for the senior sales team.
- The Pay: $45,000 – $55,000 Base + Commission (Total usually $65k–$75k).
- The Consensus Verdict: Mental Stress.
- Pros: Indoor work, often remote/hybrid. Fast promotion path to Account Executive (6 figures).
- Cons: Rejection. You will get hung up on 50 times a day. High turnover.
- Internal Link: A great option if you want to work from home.
5. 911 Dispatcher / Emergency Telecommunicator
Surprising to many, you don't need a degree for this. You need typing speed, a clear voice, and nerves of steel.
- The Job: Answering emergency calls and dispatching police/EMS.
- The Pay: $65,000 – $80,000 per year.
- The Consensus Verdict: High Stress / High Reward.
- Pros: You are saving lives. Unionized government job with a pension.
- Cons: Shift work (12 hours). You hear traumatic events daily.
Comparison Table: No Experience Jobs
| Job Title | Estimated Annual Pay | Physicality | Stress Level |
| Train Conductor | $90,000+ | High | High |
| FIFO Camp Staff | $60,000 (Saved) | Medium | Low |
| Construction Labour | $55,000+ | Very High | Low |
| Tech Sales (BDR) | $70,000 (OTE) | Low | High |
| 911 Dispatcher | $75,000 | Low | Very High |
Practical Questions Answered
"Do I really need ZERO experience for these?"
Yes, but you need "transferable soft skills." For the conductor job, emphasize safety awareness. For sales, emphasize persistence. They train the technical stuff; you bring the attitude.
"Will I get drug tested?"
Yes. For Railway, Mining/FIFO, and Construction, pre-employment drug testing is standard in Canada. Cannabis is legal, but many safety-sensitive sites have zero-tolerance policies for THC in your system during work hours.
"Do I have to pay for my own training?"
Legitimate employers (CN, LiUNA, Government) pay you during training. If a company asks you to pay $500 for a "course" before hiring you, it is likely a scam or a predatory agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest paying job in Canada with no experience?
Train Conductor or Long-Haul Truck Driver (once licensed) are the highest paying. A conductor at CN or CPKC can easily clear $100,000 in their first or second year due to overtime and mileage pay, requiring only a high school diploma.
How do I get a full-time job with no resume?
Focus on labour agencies like PeopleReady or Randstad Industrial. They often act as the "HR department" for warehouses and construction sites. If you register with them, they can place you in a temp role that often turns into a permanent full-time offer if you prove you are reliable.
Are there full-time remote jobs with no experience?
Yes, mostly in Customer Support and Data Entry. Companies like Teleperformance or Concentrix hire remote support agents across Canada. However, competition is fierce. You will need a quiet home office and a hard-wired internet connection to qualify.
About the author
Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.
Sources
- CN Railway Careers: https://www.cn.ca/en/careers/
- Job Bank Canada (Trend Analysis): https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis
- LiUNA (Labourers' International Union): https://liuna.ca/
Note:
Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.