nevermind the non-existent ICAO FI to TC FI rating route, having to do the whole course even with instructor rating elsewhere, even experienced guys. I looked at the regs and some info online and no thanks. There's more friendly countries for low timer pilots wanting to fly GA.
As to the question posed, yes. Helicopter low timer jobs in Australia and bit in NZ, can be 'had' similar way as in Canada. Hangar ratting, ground crewing, fertiliser/chemical loading/truck driving/jolly rides ticket selling and briefing, often low or no pay jobs with bit of stick time as reward or the carrot dangled as more regular job.
Having someone 'show themselves' with company can be good from management/CP point of view, not to employ someone not suitable based on CV/interview chat only, but it has been abused time and time again.