Alberta’s government will invest $33 million in training programs to help more than 5,000 unemployed and underemployed Albertans gain skills for workforce re-entry over the next four years.
The funding, announced through the Training for Work program, includes new contracts awarded during the 2024-25 fiscal year that will provide services across more than 50 communities throughout the province.
“Alberta needs more skilled workers to meet the labour market demands of our growing economy,” said Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade.
The programs target high-demand sectors including construction and health care, offering support through four main streams: Integrated Training, Immigrant Bridging, Transition to Employment Services, and Workplace Training.
Some programs will be delivered virtually to ensure accessibility for Albertans in remote locations.
Supporting diverse workforce needs
The Training for Work initiative assists underrepresented groups including youth, older workers, Indigenous peoples and newcomers while addressing workforce gaps in sectors facing labour shortages.
“Through our JobPLUS Transition to Employment Services and JobCO Workplace Training programs, we’ve helped hundreds of Albertans including youth, older workers, newcomers and others facing challenges, connect to the labour market across a wide range of industries,” said Steve McGean, managing partner at BGS Career Ventures.
Program categories
The four program categories offer different approaches to workforce development:
Integrated Training provides industry-recognized skills training with hands-on experience and job search support.
Immigrant Bridging helps newcomers get their credentials recognized in the Alberta labour market.
Transition to Employment Services offers personalized support including career counselling and job matching, with up to $7,000 available for short-term training.
Workplace Training connects unemployed Albertans with employers for on-the-job training with wage reimbursements and up to $7,000 for additional off-site training.
Expanding across the province
The new funding will support programs in numerous communities including Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Brooks, Airdrie, Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Leduc, Grande Prairie, Camrose, and Wetaskiwin.
The initiative is partially funded by Alberta’s government and the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Transfer Agreement.
