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KICK-STARTING
CAREERS FOR
YOUNG ALBERTANS

A new youth hiring incentive is launching to help young Albertans get experience, build confidence and gain skills to launch rewarding careers.

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Alberta Youth Employment
Incentive Launched

Alberta’s government is providing $8 million for the new Alberta Youth Employment Incentive, which will provide grants to employers to offset costs associated with hiring, training and employing youth from age 15-24. The initiative is expected to support around 1,000 businesses to hire 2,500 young Albertans.
Entering the workforce is a vital first step toward building a strong, lifelong career. Youth unemployment is a challenge across Canada, and with a youth unemployment rate of 17 per cent, Alberta especially feels the impact as the result of rapid population growth through international immigration and the highest interprovincial migration of any other province. Young Albertans deserve access to jobs that help them learn, grow and contribute.

Funding and Reach

With $8 million in funding, the initiative will support around 1,000 businesses and create opportunities for 2,500 young Albertans to enter the workforce.

Application Timeline

Beginning in October 2025, eligible employers can apply for grants through CAREERS, the non-profit organization managing the program.

Grant Details for Employers

Be the most impactful program of its kind in the world, where Canadian firms go first to transform their ideas into commercial success.
  • .Employers who hire 1–2 youth (minimum 400 combined hours) can receive $4,000.
  • .Employers who hire 3–5 youth (minimum 750 combined hours) can receive $7,500.

Employer Benefits

Through this initiative, Alberta’s government is helping cover up to $10 per hour of youth wages, encouraging employers to open doors for the next generation of talent.

Youth Benefits

A new digital badge will be introduced for youth who complete at least 200 hours of work and pass a skills assessment. This credential will help young Albertans demonstrate workplace skills to future employers.