Calgary Economic Development has launched a work-based learning program aimed at connecting job-ready youth aged 18 to 24 with local employers, backed by $3 million in funding from the Government of Alberta.
TalentED Greater Calgary aims to create 2,000 industry placements and projects for youth by 2027 across Calgary and the broader Calgary Metropolitan Region. The program is designed to help organizations fill skills gaps while giving young people practical work experience.
The initiative expands on TalentED YYC, a pilot project that generated an estimated $16 million in economic impact through work-integrated learning opportunities, according to Calgary Economic Development.
Addressing youth unemployment
Calgary’s labour market has the highest participation rate in Canada and saw the second-highest job growth in 2025, according to the organization. However, youth unemployment remains elevated as younger workers face increased competition for entry-level positions.
“The Calgary region’s growth presents a timely opportunity to connect employers with job-ready youth,” said Deana Haley, vice president of intelligence and productivity at Calgary Economic Development. “TalentED Greater Calgary helps employers access the skills they need, while young job-seekers gain the experience and references that come with a first chance.”
Services for employers
The program offers free services to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits, including one-on-one consultation to design work-based learning opportunities and guidance on available funding and wage subsidy programs.
Employers also gain access to in-person and virtual AI training sessions, delivered by Skills for Change, to help integrate AI into everyday processes and enable youth to build digital skills.
An AI-enabled skills-matching platform connects employers and youth based on skills alignment rather than experience alone.
A Mitacs study found that organizations participating in work-based learning saw an average nine per cent increase in total revenue and an 11 per cent boost in productivity over three years after offering work-based learning opportunities.
Employer experience
Nabeel Ramji, CEO and co-founder of Pedesting, participated in the pilot program and created internship roles that led to one participant receiving a full-time position.
“Through the TalentED YYC pilot, Pedesting was able to create internship roles that brought fresh ideas and new perspectives into our organization, ultimately leading us to offer one participant a full-time position,” said Ramji. “With TalentED Greater Calgary, more employers can benefit from giving someone their first chance while building the skilled, adaptable workforce our growing economy needs.”
Rica Bandigas, a participant in the pilot program, said the experience built her confidence and job skills. “Participating in the TalentED YYC program gave me hands-on experience that built my confidence, job experience and real skills that I could put on my résumé,” she said. “The experience was a key stepping stone to receiving my co-op designation and the opportunity to grow my network in Calgary.”
Surranna Sandy, CEO of Skills for Change, said the program addresses the changing nature of work. “AI is fundamentally reshaping how work gets done, and TalentED Greater Calgary ensures the workforce is not left to catch up after the fact,” said Sandy. “By pairing real work-based learning with practical AI upskilling, the program builds a workforce that is adaptable, productive and ready for the economy of tomorrow, not five years from now.”
