Sorry to hijack your thread, inexcusable really.
Again, limited European experience but on more than one occasion in Stavanger I have watched the parade of new FO hopefuls doing interviews, and have been on TR courses with some as well. Their experience wasn't very high (500-1500 hrs, no type rating) and they are getting into a steady NS offshore job.
International touring generally requires the hours to qualify as a captain on the respective contract. Like many industries, there are a lot of dues to be paid in aviation to get to the end game.
Instructing to build time doesn't, for all intents and purposes, exist in Canada. Here it is, my view of a Canadian start:
1. Get a CPL (rarely night or IFR)
2. Get a job, likely A. ground job with hope to fly eventually VFR or B. ground job to copilot IFR (get the IFR while working on ground)
3. As experience builds, decide where your focus will be
4. Get on with a company in your chosen field (offshore, police, firefighting, construction, school, logging, etc)
I hope someone will give you a European perspective