Training and employment services – Immigrant Bridging Program

Overview

The Immigrant Bridging Program offers eligible immigrants with competency-based/occupation-related skills training, work experience, and essential skills to help them obtain employment related to their prior skills, education or experience. Immigrant Bridging supports the connection between training and application of new skills in real-work situations. 

Although Immigrant Bridging has a workplace language component, the intent of the program is skills training.

This program establishes close relationships between training providers, employers and industry. Through skills training, the program helps new Albertans build an understanding about the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed in Alberta’s workforce to help meet local labour market demand.

The Government of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services.

Eligibility

Eligible participants are unemployed and under-employed adults in Alberta, who are permanent residents or Canadian citizens, and require training to obtain and maintain employment. Proof of English language proficiency must be provided for this program.

For complete eligibility requirements, read the Immigrant Bridging Program Guidelines

How to apply

If you are interested in participating in an Immigrant Bridging program:

• review the Training and Employment Services Directory
• connect with an organization near you that provides this program to determine your eligibility

Immigrant Bridging programs are developed by providers, and each program may offer different timeframes, course content and class sizes. All Immigrant Bridging programs provide:

• industry-recognized training and unpaid work experience to help prepare you for job opportunities
• workplace essential skills to help you thrive in learning, work and life

Immigrant Bridging is provided at no cost to eligible Albertans. Financial assistance may be available for eligible participants who require funding to support their living costs while in training, depending on your circumstances.

For information about attending training and employment services, read the Participant Fact Sheet.

Program providers

If you are an organization interested in offering Immigrant Bridging to Albertans, the Alberta government procures programs and services through a request for proposals process throughout the year.

Visit Alberta Purchasing Connection for current requests.

Before submitting a proposal, providers are required to review the:

• Immigrant Bridging Program Guidelines
• Service Management and Program Administration Guidelines

Note, these guidelines supersede the Alberta Works Online Manual content.