The Central Region is the heart of Alberta, stretching from Wetaskiwin, Ponoka, and Maskwacis in the north, through Lacombe, Red Deer, and Sylvan Lake, west toward Rocky Mountain House and Nordegg, east through Stettler, Castor, and Coronation, and south to Olds, Didsbury, and Carstairs. It includes rural farming communities, bustling mid-sized cities, and Indigenous Nations such as Ermineskin Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe, Montana First Nation, Samson Cree Nation, and Sunchild First Nation. Central Alberta is a powerhouse for healthcare, skilled trades, agriculture, and oilfield services, offering students diverse pathways into rewarding careers. Whether you’re in a small farming town, a lakeside village, or a city like Red Deer, our Central Team is here to guide you in finding the right fit for your future.
of CAREERS employers would recommend our services to others.*
of CAREERS employers say they would hire more interns.*
of RAP participants continue their apprenticeship after high school
* Advanis Survey, 2020
Incentives available
WCB covered through Alberta Education for eligible placements
Safety-trained students: HCS3000, HCS3010, and more
Diverse industries: Skilled Trades, IT, Agriculture, Forestry, Aviation, and more
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:
What your business gains long term:
Investing in youth means investing in your organization’s success—and in a stronger Alberta
Want to build your workforce and attract fresh talent, but worried about the cost of adding new positions? CAREERS can help. We are offering several different incentive programs designed to make it easier for you to bring students and young talent on board. The only question is, which option is the best fit for you?
The Youth in Trades Incentive Program is designed to increase the number of employers supporting work-integrated learning internships for high school youth in the skilled trades.
LEARN MORE: Youth Internship Incentive Program (YIIP) – Careers The Next Generation
The Indigenous Youth Incentive Program supports Indigenous First Nation, Métis settlements, and Métis locals to hire Indigenous youth.
LEARN MORE: Youth Internship Incentive Program (YIIP) – Careers The Next Generation
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 15 to 24 in almost any industry, 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.
Internships are usually 75 – 125 hours per semester, however the placement may be extended up to 500 hours. They can be part time during the school year (5-25 hours per week) and/or full time during the summer. The school and work schedule is developed to accommodate the employer’s needs.
Required compensations for Student Interns is minimum wage or above. Qualified employers can receive up to $3600 through the Youth Internship Incentive Program. For information on other wage subsidy programs CLICK HERE (PDF)
For any off-campus learning, like an internship, students are eligible to earn high school credits and thereby covered by Alberta Education’s WCB.
CAREERS promotes safety through the Safe Under 18 Initiative. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Tessa Jones
