Alberta’s government is putting $20 million over three years into a program that helps young people get their first paid jobs and gives employers money to hire and train them.
The funding, announced through Budget 2026, supports the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive and related workforce programs. The province says the investment is expected to help roughly 3,500 employers hire up to 8,750 youth across Alberta.
Wendy Leitch, owner of Patricia Street Deli in Edmonton, said the program made a direct difference for her business after a difficult period.
“Our deli has always been rooted in giving young people a place to start – often their very first job, their first sense of responsibility and their first feeling of being part of something that matters. The Youth Employment Incentive helped us to continue creating those opportunities at a time when we needed it most. After losing our space in Jasper to the fires and rebuilding here in Edmonton, that support has meant we can keep showing up for our team – investing in them, believing in them and growing alongside them.”
How the incentive works
The Alberta Youth Employment Incentive offsets the cost of hiring and training young workers aged 15 to 24. Employers can receive:
- $4,000 to hire one to two youth for a combined minimum of 400 hours
- $7,500 to hire three to five youth for a combined minimum of 750 hours
This works out to up to $10 per hour in wage support during the early stages of employment. To date, 95 per cent of participating employers are small- and medium-sized businesses.
Since the program launched, it has helped nearly 860 youth enter the workforce. As of Feb. 28, 2026, the province says 859 youth have been approved for jobs through the incentive.
How the new money will be spent
Of the $20 million total, an initial $4 million increase goes directly to the existing program, which is delivered by CAREERS: The Next Generation. A further $16 million over two years will expand youth employment and skills training opportunities across the province.
Stefan Rutkowski, president and chief executive officer of CAREERS: The Next Generation, said the expanded funding will create more entry points for young workers.
“Seeing this incentive open doors for young Albertans has been truly remarkable. For so many of them, it’s that first real chance to step into the workforce, build confidence and discover what they’re capable of. This increased investment will multiply those moments, and I couldn’t be more excited about what this means for our youth, our employers and the future of Alberta.”
Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, said the program reflects the province’s commitment to younger workers.
“Alberta has always been a place of opportunity, and it is important we preserve that for our younger generation. Our government is committed to helping young Albertans enter the workforce to ensure they have meaningful pathways to successful careers.”
Alberta’s government previously announced $8 million in 2025–26 for the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive before the additional funding confirmed through Budget 2026.
