Province ups investment into employment services, training

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on May 1, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

In the face of tariffs and other economic uncertainty, the provincial government is working to increase supports that will help Albertans become employed with meaningful work.

Recognizing the importance of employment services to Albertans hoping to explore career paths, employment and training options so they can reconnect to the job market, Budget 2025 would invest $185 million to expand employment supports for Albertans and help employers find, hire and train workers, an increase of approximately $89 million.

“Our government is committed to creating opportunities for Albertans to find and maintain meaningful employment,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. “That’s why we are making record investments to make it easier for Albertans to find a job, earn a paycheque and build a better future for themselves and their families.”

These investments to Alberta Career and Employment Information Services and employment service providers across the province is expected to help more than 820,000 Albertans find and maintain jobs this year, says the province. Through these services, Albertans can access both in-person and virtual aid, such as career counselling, job placements, career and job fairs and work-specific courses to eliminate barriers to employment.

This funding would also help to cover support on-the-job training in collaboration with employers, including simulated worksites, doubling current investment in these opportunities.

Currently, there are such worksites in Calgary, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Millet and Fort Saskatchewan, and these investments would seek to bring similar sites to more locations to allow for Albertans to access paid, hands-on experience and training from local employers.

“Budget 2025 was about meeting the challenge, and that includes in areas where we have labour shortages and helping Albertans find work,” said Nate Horner, Minister of Treasury Board and Finance. “These supports will create jobs for Albertans who need it.”

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