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Training program hopes to get 22,000 Albertans back to work

More than 22,000 Albertans will be able to get back to work through the largest jobs training program in Alberta’s history, according to a government news release.

The Alberta Jobs Now program will provide up to $370 million to help private and non-profit businesses support much-needed jobs for unemployed and underemployed Albertans across the province and help Alberta’s economy recover.

Employers will be able to apply for a grant that covers 25 per cent of an employee’s salary for a 52-week period up to a maximum of $25,000 per employee. The grant can be used to cover salary or training costs. Employers who hire persons with disabilities will receive a grant 1.5 times higher than the amount they receive for other new employees.

“We’re investing in Alberta’s economic recovery with financial support to provide job opportunities for unemployed Albertans,” said Premier Jason Kenney. “This is a long-term investment in working Albertans as we recover from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and recession.”

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Employers will be able to apply at alberta.ca/jobsnow as of 9 a.m. on May 20. They can apply for funding for up to 20 new employees. Employers have until Aug. 31 to apply. A second intake will open on Sept. 15 and close on Dec. 31.

To be eligible for the program, private sector business or non-profit organizations must use the funding to hire unemployed Albertans in a new or vacant position. The new hire must reside and work in Alberta and must not have worked for the employer within the past 90 days.