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Airdrie is among more than 50 Alberta communities where new job training programs and services are available under a $33.2-million investment by the provincial government.
Alberta's Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade announced the 2024-25 funding on May 9 through its Training for Work program, which aims to support more than 5,000 unemployed or underemployed Albertans over the next four years.
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 other municipalities.
"Alberta needs more skilled workers to meet the labour market demands of our growing economy," said Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, in a written statement.
"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."
In 2024-25, four subprograms were added to the Training for Work program in 23 Alberta communities: Integrated Training, Immigrant Bridging, Transition to Employment Services, and Workplace Training.
The programs offer varying forms of support, including job placements, wage reimbursements, and short-term training, depending on the stream.
According to the province, Transition to Employment Services and Workplace Training programs can provide up to $7,000 per participant to cover costs related to work exposure or skill gap training.
Integrated Training programs provide industry-recognized skills, hands-on experience and job search support. Immigrant Bridging programs help newcomers get their credentials recognized and apply their existing skills and education in 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," said Steve McGean, managing partner of BGS Career Ventures.
"Through our JobPLUS Transition to Employment Services and JobCO Workplace Training programs, we've helped hundreds of Albertans," he said. "That includes youth, older workers, newcomers and others facing challenges connect to the labour market across a wide range of industries."
The province said the programs are designed to assist underrepresented groups, including Indigenous peoples, youth, older workers and newcomers, while supporting employment in high-demand sectors such as construction, health care and child care.
The $33,276,640 investment includes funding from Alberta's government and the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Transfer Agreement.
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