Jobs in Canada With On-the-Job Training (Earn While You Learn)

The biggest lie young Canadians are told is this: "You have to pay to learn."

We assume that to get a good job, we must spend $40,000 on a university degree and wait four years to see a paycheck.

In 2026, the smartest workers are flipping the script.

There is a hidden tier of "Earn While You Learn" careers. In these roles, the employer is so desperate for specific skills that they will hire you with zero experience, put you in a classroom for 6 to 12 months, and pay you a full salary the entire time.

You don't graduate with debt; you graduate with a bank account full of cash and a guaranteed job.

If you are ready to stop paying tuition and start earning, here are the best jobs in Canada with fully paid on-the-job training.

1. Air Traffic Controller (NAV CANADA)

This is the "Holy Grail" of paid training.

• The Job: Directing planes in the sky to ensure they don't crash. It is high-stress, high-focus video game style work.
• The Training Deal: You do not pay for school. NAV CANADA pays you a training salary of $44,000 – $48,000 per year just to sit in the classroom and simulator.
• The Pay (After Training): Once you qualify (usually 12-18 months), your salary jumps to $75,000 – $150,000+. Senior controllers in Toronto or Vancouver make over $200k.
• Requirements: High School Diploma. That's it. You must pass a rigorous cognitive test (spatial awareness/memory).
• Related: If you love aviation but hate stress, check out Airport Ground Crew Jobs for easier entry roles.

2. Train Conductor (CN Rail / CPKC)

• The Job: Managing the cargo and crew on massive freight trains. You are not driving the train (that's the Engineer); you are the "Manager" of the train.
• The Training Deal: You are hired instantly. They send you to their training center (e.g., in Winnipeg or Calgary) for 4-7 weeks. They pay for your hotel, food, and a weekly salary (approx. $1,000/week) while you learn the safety rules.
• The Pay: $85,000 – $110,000 per year (First year).
• The Lifestyle: You are "On Call" 24/7. You will work nights, weekends, and holidays. It is brutal on your sleep schedule, but the money is incredible.
• Related: This is a perfect example of the "Blue Collar" boom we discussed in Highest-Paying Construction Jobs.

3. Canadian Coast Guard Officer

• The Job: protecting Canada's waters, breaking ice, and saving lives at sea.
• The Training Deal: The Coast Guard College in Nova Scotia offers a 4-year program.
  • Tuition: FREE.
  • Books/Uniforms: FREE.
  • Room & Board: FREE.
  • Salary: You receive a monthly allowance (approx. $500–$1,500) while studying.
• The Pay (After Grad): You graduate with a guaranteed job starting at $70,000 – $85,000.
• Requirements: High School with good grades in Math and Physics.

4. Insurance Broker (Licensing Provided)

• The Job: Selling home and auto insurance to regular people.
• The Training Deal: To sell insurance, you need a license (RIBO in Ontario). Many large brokerages (like BrokerLink or Hub International) will hire you unlicensed, pay for your study materials, pay you a salary to study for 2 weeks, and pay for your exam.
• The Pay: $45,000 – $55,000 Base + Commission.
• Why it fits: It is a professional "office job" that doesn't require a business degree.
• Related: This is one of the Recession-Proof Jobs we recommend.

5. Transit Operator (Bus Driver)

• The Job: Driving city buses for the TTC (Toronto), OC Transpo (Ottawa), or TransLink (Vancouver).
• The Training Deal: You do not need a bus license (Class B or C) to apply. You only need a regular car license (Class G/5). They hire you, then spend 4-6 weeks teaching you how to drive the bus. You earn the "Training Rate" (usually $25 – $29/hr) from Day 1.
• The Pay: $60,000 – $80,000 per year.
• The Security: It is a government job with a pension.

6. Pest Control Technician

• The Job: Removing raccoons, bed bugs, and rats from homes.
• The Training Deal: You need a "Structural Exterminator License." Companies like Orkin or Abell will hire you as a "Trainee." You ride along with a senior tech, earning an hourly wage, while they prep you for the license exam.
• The Pay: $50,000 – $70,000 per year.
• The PERK: You get a company vehicle (truck) which you can often take home, saving you thousands on gas and insurance.

7. Heavy Equipment Apprentice (Union Sponsored)

• The Job: Driving bulldozers and excavators.
• The Training Deal: Unions like IUOE (International Union of Operating Engineers) run training centers. If you get accepted into their apprenticeship, you "earn while you learn." You work on a construction site for 4 days and go to school for 1 day, getting paid for all of it.
• The Pay: $30 – $45 per hour.
• Related: If you are willing to work remotely, Camp Jobs (Wait, correction: Camp Jobs article coming soon) often hire entry-level laborers and train them up.

Comparison Table: Training Salary vs. Career Potential

Practical Questions Answered

"Is NAV CANADA training hard?"

Yes. It is brutal.

• The Reality: The failure rate is high (around 30-50%). They cut you if you cannot handle the stress.
• The Strategy: Do not quit your current job until you pass the entrance exams. Treat the training like a boot camp. If you pass, you are set for life.

"Do I have to pay back the training cost if I quit?"

Sometimes.

• The "Bond": Some trucking companies or specialized training programs require you to sign a contract saying, "If I quit within 1 year, I owe you $5,000 for the training." Always read the fine print before signing. (Note: NAV CANADA does not usually do this, but trucking companies do).

"Can I fail the training?"

Yes.

• The Risk: In jobs like Rail Conductor or Transit Operator, "Training" is actually a "Probation Period." If you crash the bus or fail the safety test, they will fire you immediately. You are not "safe" until you pass probation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these jobs available for International Students?

Generally, No.

• The Rule: Most of these (NAV CANADA, Coast Guard, Transit) require you to be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident because they involve national security or government funding.
• The Exception: Pest Control and Rail (sometimes) may hire work permit holders if they have an open permit, but it is rarer.

What is the "Red Seal" apprenticeship?

It is the government's official "Earn While You Learn" system for trades (Plumbers, Electricians). You find an employer, they register you, and the government even gives you grants (money) to buy tools ($1,000) and finish your schooling ($2,000).

Where do I find these jobs?

• NAV CANADA: Apply directly on their "Careers" site.
• CN/CP Rail: Apply on their corporate sites (they are always hiring).
• Unions: Go to your local Union Hall (e.g., Local 183 or IUOE 793) in person.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur. He tracks real-time labour market data, government hiring trends, and entry-level opportunities to help newcomers and students navigate the Canadian job market.

Sources

• NAV CANADA Careers: https://www.navcanada.ca/en/careers.aspx
• Canadian Coast Guard College: https://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/college/index-eng.html
• CN Rail Conductors: https://www.cn.ca/en/careers/

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.