Getting Albertans back to work
Press Release
May 09, 2025
Alberta’s government is investing $33 million in training programs to help unemployed and underemployed Albertans gain the skills needed to rejoin the workforce.
Through the Training for Work program, Alberta’s government has awarded millions in new contracts during the 2024-25 fiscal year. These programs are providing skills training and employment supports for more than 5,000 Albertans across the province over the next four years. These investments don’t just support individuals – they strengthen families, communities and Alberta’s entire economy.
Training for Work programs offer skill development and employment services to unemployed Albertans in more than 50 communities across Alberta. Some programs offer virtual access to ensure all Albertans can get the training they need to propel their careers into the future.
“Alberta needs more skilled workers to meet the labour market demands of our growing economy. Training for Work helps unemployed or underemployed Albertans get the skills and support they need to get back into the workforce or upskill into new roles, while also assisting Alberta’s employers in filling high-demand positions with job-ready workers.”
Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade
In addition to helping fill labour market gaps in high-demand sectors like construction and health care, the Training for Work program helps offer personalized supports to meet the needs of job seekers and local employers. The Training for Work program remains vital to creating sustainable employment opportunities to strengthen Alberta’s labour market.
“BGS Career Ventures is proud to deliver Training for Work programs that help Albertans overcome employment barriers and build meaningful long-term careers. 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.”
Steve McGean, managing partner, BGS Career Ventures
In 2024-25, Training for Work programs were added to 23 communities across Alberta under four subcategories: Integrated Training, Immigrant Bridging, Transition to Employment Services and Workplace Training.
- Integrated Training programs provide industry-recognized skills, hands-on experience and job search support to help Albertans re-enter the workforce.
- Immigrant Bridging programs help newcomers get their credentials recognized and use their skills and education in Alberta’s labour market.
- Transition to Employment Services offers personalized support, including career counselling, job matching and up to $7,000 for short-term training and work exposure – to help Albertans rejoin the workforce.
- Workplace Training links unemployed Albertans with employers for on-the-job training, wage reimbursements, and up to $7,000 for off-site training to fill skill gaps and support long-term employment.
Alberta’s government is opening doors to opportunity by expanding training programs and tailoring support – helping thousands of Albertans get back to work or upskill, while connecting employers with the talent they need to grow. These investments reinforce Alberta’s commitment to building a resilient, responsive workforce that is meeting the needs of a growing and diversifying economy.
Quick facts:
- In 2024-25, Jobs, Economy and Trade awarded a total of $33,276,640 in new contracts to deliver services to 5,152 unemployed Albertans.
- New training programs and services are available in Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Brooks, Airdrie, Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Leduc, Grande Prairie, Camrose, Wetaskiwin and more due to these investments.
- Many Training for Work programs support underrepresented groups in Alberta’s workforce, such as youth, older workers, Indigenous peoples and newcomers to Alberta, while also encouraging workers to acquire the skills needed to work in growing and in-demand sectors such as construction, health care and child care.
- Training for Work is funded in part by Alberta’s government, as well as by the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Transfer Agreement.
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