Where IEC Workers Can Find Jobs in Canada This Winter

For IEC participants, that means opportunity but also the need to be strategic. The days of landing a job the week you arrive may be fading in major cities, yet some planning, flexibility and timing can open doors.

The Best Places to Find Your Next IEC Job 

Canada’s job market showed a small rebound this fall, adding around 60,000 jobs in September after a few slower months. The overall employment rate improved slightly, which means there are still opportunities out there. Though competition for roles, especially in big cities, has grown a bit. For newcomers, this means it might take a bit longer to find the right role, especially in larger cities. 

Most of the new jobs were full-time, suggesting employers are still hiring for more stable positions. A good sign for IEC participants hoping to gain experience and steady income during their working holiday.  

Where jobs are growing: 

• Manufacturing, especially in Ontario and Alberta 

• Healthcare and social services 

• Agriculture and other seasonal work 

Best Provinces to Find Work 

• Alberta, New Brunswick, and Manitoba are leading job growth 

• Ontario and Quebec remain steady but more competitive 

You can read our Labour Market Report for more information. 

Top 5 Industries for IEC Workers in Canada 

Even with slower growth generally, several industries continue to welcome IEC participants, including: 

Hospitality and Tourism 

Winter means peak season in Banff, Whistler, and Mont-Tremblant. Resorts, hotels, and restaurants rely heavily on IEC working holiday participants, often offering housing and meals – a big help given Canada’s rising living costs. 

If you’re looking for a job in hospitality and tourism, check out our dedicated page here.

Construction and Trades 

With Canada’s cities expanding and major infrastructure projects underway, construction and engineering professionals are in steady demand. Whether your experience is in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, site management, or construction engineering, there are plenty of opportunities to build a rewarding and stable career.

Wages are competitive, hiring is often fast for skilled and certified workers, and there’s strong potential to gain Canadian credentials that can support long-term growth. Even with a slower housing market, employers are actively hiring in construction and construction engineering roles.

If you’re ready to start your search for a career in construction, Outpost Recruitment is a great place to begin. It connects IEC participants directly with verified Canadian employers – especially in construction and construction engineering, helping you find reliable, well-paid work.

Healthcare and Support Services 

Healthcare remains a strong employer. IEC participants with caregiving, support, or admin experience can find steady roles in long-term care homes, clinics, and private households – areas with year-round demand. 

Important: To work in healthcare (or any job involving close contact with people), you may need to complete a medical exam. You can read the full requirements on the Government of Canada website. 

Retail and Customer Service 

Festive holiday hiring is already underway. Retail, ski resorts, and local markets often hire temporary IEC workers through December – perfect for building Canadian experience quickly. 

Remote and Administrative Work 

IEC participants with admin, design, or tech skills are finding more hybrid or remote options, especially with small businesses seeking short-term help. 

Where Opportunities Are Slowing 

Residential construction has slowed in Toronto and Vancouver due to weak housing sales. Agriculture is winding down post-harvest, and tech hiring remains cautious after corporate cost-cutting. 

Still, those on working holidays often have an advantage, their temporary status makes them ideal for short-term contracts and project roles when full-time hiring freezes are in place.  

Bridging the Gap Between Your Skills and the Canadian Job Market 

Many newcomers still work below their skill level. With 1 in 5 recent immigrants working in jobs unrelated to their education or training, often because no positions are available in their field. Gaining Canadian experience or local credentials can help close that gap. 

If you’re job-hunting or between contracts, these strategies can help you stand out: 

1. Tailor your resume:
   A Canadian resume should be action-focused, and results-based. Use bullet points to show what you achieved – not just what you did.
2. Be open to relocating:
   Opportunities are stronger in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Atlantic Canada, where energy and infrastructure projects are driving demand.
3. Upskill:
   Even one-day certifications can make a difference. Training programs like Ontario’s trades initiative are expanding, so now’s the time to get WHMIS, First Aid, or safety credentials.
4. Network locally:
   Job leads often come through community boards, hostels, and Facebook groups before they ever appear online.
5. Time your search:
   Tourism peaks in winter and summer, while construction ramps up in spring. Plan your next applications early. 

Opportunities Ahead for IEC Participants

There is modest but steady growth expected in 2026, supported by infrastructure spending and cooling inflation. That means continued opportunity, especially for IEC participants who stay mobile and adapt with the seasons. 

Even in a slower economy, work in Canada remains accessible for IEC workers who stay flexible, proactive, and open to change. Think of your IEC working holiday as an opportunity to gain valuable experiences that build toward your future career in Canada or beyond.