Careers Information
Are you looking for adventure? Seeking to broaden their horizons and challenge themselves outside the classroom? Interested in gaining international work experience and learn North American best practices? Canada is a fantastic first stepping stone into the real world and a gateway to global opportunities. It is safe, friendly and welcoming.
International Experience Canada (IEC) is a Government of Canada program that allows youth aged 18-35* from IEC’s over 30 partner countries/territories to work and travel in Canada for up to two years*. Whether it is to go on a gap year, working holiday, complete a co-op/ internship abroad, or gain international work experience after graduation, IEC can help make these experiences happen.
A job offer isn’t required under the working holiday category and participants can work for any employer in Canada.
Benefits of a Gap Year: 98% of students who completed a gap year said it helped them develop as a person. 96% also said that it increased their maturity and self-confidence. 77% said that it helped them find their purpose in life. 90% of students who took a gap year returned to university within a year and 75% said it helped or will help them get a job1.
Recognized Organizations (RO): RO’s are Canada-based organisations that help youth work and travel internationally through IEC. They can be non-profit, for profit or educational. Most charge a fee for their services, which may include finding a job, planning your travel or accommodations and helping in an emergency. The use of ROs is optional.
Job Bank: To find out what jobs are available, a good starting point is the Job Bank, which is run by the Government of Canada. Applicants can search thousands of jobs from employers all across Canada in various sectors and disciplines.
Ski Field Jobs: Perhaps students would like to trade their books for a pair of skis or snowboard next winter. ‘On snow’ work opportunities await at hundreds of Canadian ski areas. Jobs can be in a number of sectors, including hospitality, administration, retail and snow professions.
Tourism Jobs: Check the website for an interactive career map with exciting career opportunities in hospitality and tourism.
Testimonials:
“Moving to Canada was probably the biggest catalyst for personal growth that I’ve had in my adult life. I stopped looking outwards for advice and instead started using my own head, which is such a valuable tool that I would never have learnt had I not moved overseas and away from my support network.” – Virginia A.
“Working in Montreal was great for my career. The visual effects industry in Montreal was well established when I arrived; however, over the year I was there, it boomed and gave me a lot of experience that I would not have been able to get in Australia.” – Jonathon S.
Contact the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney, Australia at whpcanada.sydney@international.gc.ca:
- Queries on International Experience Canada
- Careers Expos, Presentations and Q&A sessions for students and parents (in person or online depending on capabilities)
- Presentations and round table discussions for Career Advisers (in person or online depending on capabilities)
- Brochures (electronic or hard copy)
- Moose keyrings or other giveaways for students and Career Advisers
* Eligibility criteria and duration of work permit and differs based on country of citizenship.
Thank you, and we wish you and your students all the best!
Kind regards,
Migration Section / Bureau de migration
whpcanada.sydney@international.gc.ca
Consulate General of Canada | Consulat général du Canada
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
Level 6, 111 Harrington Street / 6e étage, 111 rue Harrington
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia | Australie
www.australia.gc.ca | www.australie.gc.ca
The Careers Advisers Association of NSW & ACT Incorporated (ABN 58 877 417 536) (“CAA”) does not guarantee or provide any representations or warranties in relation to the integrity, completeness, accuracy, fitness for purpose or suitability of the information set out in this email and does not review or endorse the information set out in this email. You shall accept sole responsibility associated with the use of the materials in this email and must make your own enquiries regarding the suitability and fitness for purpose of any information, scholarship, service, course and provider. This email may contain links to third party websites and CAA does not give any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of information contained therein. Your use of this information is governed by CAA’s Website Terms of Use.