ALBERTA YOUTH EMPLOYMENT INCENTIVE

Hire youth. Get funding. Build your workforce.

The Alberta Youth Employment Incentive makes it easier—and more rewarding—for employers to bring young talent into their business. Qualified employers can receive up to $7,500 to hire Albertans aged 16 to 24, helping you fill workforce needs today while investing in the skilled workforce of tomorrow.

This program is funded by the Government of Alberta and administered by CAREERS: The Next Generation, a non-profit with nearly 30 years of experience connecting youth and employers across the province.

Eligibility Criteria

Company/organization must be:

A registered for-profit businesses
A registered non-profit organizations
A First Nations or Métis settlement
Operational in Alberta for at least one year

Ineligible types of employers

Federal, provincial, or municipal governments
Public sector or publicly funded organizations such as hospitals and health authorities
Provincial or federal crown corporations not listed under eligible applicants.
Public post-secondary institutions, schools, school boards and any school and authority listed on Alberta Education’s Schools and Authorities index.
Political parties
Holding companies whose primary purpose is ownership of assets.

Eligible Employers can receive:

$4000 – 1 – 2 youth to a total of 400 hours
$7500 – 3 – 5 youth to a total of 750 hours

*Employers with multiple locations are eligible to apply for maximum funding for each location.

Hiring youth isn’t just an investment in the next generation—it’s a smart move for your business and Alberta’s future. Young employees bring fresh perspectives, new skills, and the drive to make an impact.

What youth bring to your workplace:

Innovation & Creativity – fresh ideas that spark growth
Adaptability – quick to learn, flexible in changing environments
Tech Savviness – digital skills that keep your business current
Energy & Motivation – enthusiasm that lifts teams and productivity

What your business gains long term:

Future Workforce Development – build a pipeline of skilled, job-ready workers
Talent Attraction & Retention – hiring youth strengthens your reputation as a forward-thinking employer and can reduce turnover

Investing in youth means investing in your organization’s success—and in a stronger Alberta

To participate in the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive, employers must meet the following criteria:

Fair Pay – Youth must be paid at or above Alberta’s minimum wage, in line with provincial employment standards.
Employer Responsibilities – Youth are employees of your organization. This means you are responsible for recruitment, hiring, orientation, contracts, payroll, and all other standard employer obligations.
Safe Workplace – Employers must ensure youth have safe and supportive working conditions.
Work Readiness Assessment – After a youth employee completes 200 hours, employers are asked to assess basic work-readiness skills. Successful participants can earn a digital Work Readiness Badge.

All positions are eligible—except hours completed under a registered trade apprenticeship (including RAP) or co-op placements through a post-secondary program.

READY TO BRING FRESH TALENT INTO YOUR BUSINESS AND ACCESS FUNDING SUPPORT?

Apply now to hire youth, strengthen your workforce, and help shape Alberta’s future.

Supported by:

Find a CAREERS office in your area

Head Office – Edmonton

18256 – 102 Ave NW Edmonton AB T5S 1S7
780-426-3414
Toll Free: 1-888-757-7172

Calgary

Unit 420, 622 5th Avenue SW
Toll Free: 1-888-757-7172

Fort McMurray

1-305 MacDonald Crescent
Toll Free: 1-888-757-7172