Contractors across Canada

Cleaning services and facilities maintenance plays a vital role in keeping our communities clean and sanitary. Janitorial jobs can provide newcomers to Canada with worthwhile employment opportunities while earning legal status through an open work permit.

Overview of the Janitorial Industry in Canada

Canada’s commercial cleaning industry employs over 110,000 people and contributes billions to the national economy each year.[1] As urbanisation increases the demand for outsourced facility services, the janitorial sector continues to grow steadily. Major industry trends include:

• Shift toward specialised cleaning services – In addition to general janitorial work, contractors increasingly offer technical services like window washing, pressure washing, and floor refinishing.
• Strong market potential in healthcare – Hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities require intensive cleaning protocols to maintain hygienic standards. This sub-sector remains in high demand.
• Technology driving efficiency – Advancements like automated floor scrubbers and micro-fibre cloths help cleaners work faster while lowering business costs and environmental impact.
• Rising concern over health hazards – Employers recognise the importance of proper cleaning for mitigating illnesses spread through surface contact. This enhances value proposition of professional cleaning services.
• Aging of national infrastructure – Public buildings, schools, and other structures often need renovations or maintenance to remove contaminants accumulated over decades of use. Contract cleaners play a role in these facilities upgrades.

Top companies in Canada’s commercial cleaning market include GDI Services, Boni-Net Group, Cleaning Services Group, ISS Facility Services, and Anago Cleaning Systems. They offer a variety of services through local franchises or branch locations across the country.

Job Roles and Responsibilities

The most common janitorial job title is cleaning attendant or janitor. Exact responsibilities vary depending on employer needs but generally involve:

• Emptying trash bins and replacing liners
• Vacuuming or sweeping floors
• Dusting and wiping down surfaces
• Cleaning and sanitising washrooms
• Mopping or buffing hard floors
• Washing windows and walls
• Stocking supplies and refilling dispensers
• Minor repairs or setting up event accommodations
• Following health and safety procedures

Some positions require more specialised tasks like operating floor machines, high-dusting tall structures, or deep cleaning medical equipment. Janitors may be assigned to a single building or rotate among multiple sites. Night shifts are common since cleaning often needs to take place after hours when facilities are empty.

Regular oversight duties for lead janitors or crew chiefs add responsibilities like:

• Ordering supplies and equipment through distributors
• Scheduling worker rotations and approving timesheets
• Conducting inspection checks and equipment maintenance
• Reviewing Standard Operating Procedures with new hires
• Addressing client concerns and service issues
• Training junior cleaners on techniques and safety protocols

Teamwork, physical stamina, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills are valuable attributes for janitorial workers in any role. Good communication also helps when coordinating tasks or interfacing with building occupants.

Employment Pathway through NOC Codes

In Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system, janitorial jobs are categorised under NOC code 6733 – “Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents.” This 4-digit designation establishes an occupation for the purpose of regulating jobs and immigration pathways.

Key benefits of using authorised NOC codes include:

• Eligibility for open work permits when sponsored by an employer
• Recognition of foreign qualifications and skills through credential assessment
• Accurate job matching for newcomers based on prior experience
• statistical data to understand labor market trends for planning career moves
• Protection against allegations of misrepresentation from immigration authorities

Typically, aspiring janitors would seek jobs classified under NOC code 6733 to access a work permit. However, some cleaning contractor roles performing more specialised tasks could also align with codes like:

• 0714 “Industrial cleaning managers” for managing commercial cleaning crews
• 7441 “Drywall, ceiling, and partition installers and finishers” if dealing with construction site decommissioning
• 6732 “Light duty cleaners” working in residential or small office settings

Having the right NOC ensures immigration compliance while opening skilled pathway options beyond basic janitor positions. It pays to investigate job duties and code matches carefully.

Requirements for a Work Permit

To qualify for a temporary work permit through a janitorial job offer, applicants generally need to meet the following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) criteria:

• Valid Canadian job offer in an eligible NOC code from an approved employer
• The contract must be for at least one year of full-time employment
• Applicant needs at least basic educational credentials and work experience relevant to duties
• Clean criminal background without serious convictions
• Ability to financially support oneself and any family members in Canada
• Sufficient knowledge of English or French for safety and basic job functions
• Compliance with all other selection criteria in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program policy guidelines

The hiring company submits a Labor Market Impact Assessment application citing a demonstrated need to fill positions with foreign nationals. If approved, applicants can then apply for a work permit from within or outside Canada. Initial permits last up to two years with the option to renew based on continuous employment.

During this time, foreign workers gained valuable Canadian experience while maintaining their legal immigration status. Additionally, after completing a cumulative total of 24 months of labor under certain job codes within a 48-month period, candidates may become eligible for expedited processing under Express Entry permanent residence pathways.

Popular Cleaning Franchises and How to Apply

Let’s examine a few large cleaning franchisors that commonly sponsor foreign workers:

GDI Services

With locations in all provinces, GDI is a top provider of commercial cleaning, janitorial, and facility services in Canada. They offer diverse opportunities, such as day porters, industrial cleaners, and specialized disinfection teams.

To apply, candidates should browse available positions on the GDI website careers page and submit a direct application if meeting the requirements. The company then reviews profiles to identify matches for sponsored positions requiring work permits.

Anago Cleaning Systems

Operating janitorial franchises across major cities, Anago takes pride in personalised customer service. Roles include evening or weekend shifts with tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and washroom cleaning.

Application is online at anagocanada.ca. Candidates choose locations of interest, upload resume, and enter availability. If a sponsored job becomes available at that locale, Anago may contact the applicant to start the immigration sponsorship process.

Boni-Net Group

With cleaning contracts at industrial plants, schools, and government buildings, Boni-Net offers stability. Candidates can express interest in Boni-Net directly or through affiliated recruitment agencies. Suitable matches receive conditional job offers for associated work permit applications.

GMM Cleaning

This growing mid-sized chain recruits for general janitorial attendant posts at office parks and small businesses. Their franchises in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary regularly consider international workers. Submit resumes to gmmcleaning.com or in-person at local branch locations.

Thoroughly researching company profiles and applying proactively increases the chances of a janitorial job sponsor match. Remaining in contact during processing also shows commitment to potential employers. Perseverance often leads to rewarding career starts.