Requests for employment and training for more than 20,000 workers across all sectors of Alberta’s economy have been received since Alberta Jobs Now launched in May 2021. The highest demand has been in the service industry, retail, manufacturing, and science and technology sectors.
Approximately $90 million is available under the third application intake, which opened June 3. It is expected funding will be fully committed when the application portal closes June 30 at 4:15 p.m. MDT.
In addition to providing grants to hire and train new employees, Alberta Jobs Now offers a higher-value grant to employers who hire Albertans who have been unemployed for at least 27 consecutive weeks. The same higher-value grant is available to employers who hire a person with a disability.
“The Alberta Jobs Now program helps employers meet labour and training challenges for a rebounding Alberta economy. Although the final intake period is concluding, hiring for approved positions will continue over the next few months, and the program will continue to benefit workers, businesses and non-profits into the next year.”
“Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring that all Albertans have an opportunity to share in Alberta’s economic recovery success. With the additional support through Alberta Jobs Now for employers that hire people with disabilities, our province has taken a significant step towards creating a more inclusive workforce.”
The Government of Alberta will continue to work with Alberta businesses and non-profits to support Alberta’s economic recovery.
For more information on the Alberta Jobs Now program, please visit alberta.ca/jobsnow.
Quick facts
- Employers have until 4:15 p.m. MDT on June 30 to apply to the program at alberta.ca/jobsnow during the third and final intake period.
- The administration of Alberta Jobs Now will continue as applications received by the deadline are evaluated, as employers hire staff for approved positions, and as grants are paid out according to program timelines into 2023.
- As of June 27, the top five industries applying to the program are:
- accommodation and food services sector – 19.48 per cent
- professional, scientific and technical services – 12.71 per cent
- construction – 9.03 per cent
- retail trade – 7.87 per cent
- manufacturing – 5.98 per cent
