Through Budget 2026, Alberta’s government is supporting the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive and workforce initiatives for young Albertans. With the funding announced last year, this is expected to help about 3,500 employers hire up to 8,750 youth across the province.
The Alberta Youth Employment Incentive offsets the cost of hiring and training youth, making it easier for businesses to bring on new workers while giving young Albertans real, paid work experience.
“Alberta has always been a place of opportunity, and it is important we preserve that for our younger generation. Our government is committed to helping young Albertans enter the workforce to ensure they have meaningful pathways to successful careers.”
Employers can receive $4,000 to hire one to two youth for a combined minimum of 400 hours, or $7,500 to hire three to five youth for a combined minimum of 750 hours. This provides up to $10 per hour in wage support during the early stages of employment.
“Our deli has always been rooted in giving young people a place to start – often their very first job, their first sense of responsibility and their first feeling of being part of something that matters. The Youth Employment Incentive helped us to continue creating those opportunities at a time when we needed it most. After losing our space in Jasper to the fires and rebuilding here in Edmonton, that support has meant we can keep showing up for our team – investing in them, believing in them and growing alongside them.”
Since launching, the program has helped nearly 860 youth enter the workforce and is expected to support thousands more through continued funding. To date, 95 per cent of participating employers are small- and medium-sized businesses.
An initial $4 million increase will go directly to the existing program delivered by CAREERS. A further $16 million over two years will expand youth employment and skills training opportunities across the province.
"Seeing this incentive open doors for young Albertans has been truly remarkable. For so many of them, it's that first real chance to step into the workforce, build confidence and discover what they're capable of. This increased investment will multiply those moments, and I couldn't be more excited about what this means for our youth, our employers and the future of Alberta. It truly is a game changer."
Programs like the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive are giving businesses the confidence to invest and create jobs for the province’s next generation. Alberta’s government is focused on creating opportunity, growing the workforce and ensuring young people can build their future here at home.
Budget 2026 focuses on what matters, makes disciplined choices and takes decisive action.
Quick facts
- Alberta’s government previously announced $8 million in 2025-26 for the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive to support hiring youth aged 15-24.
- Funding to CAREERS supports qualified employers, with up to $7,500 available per employer based on youth hired.
- As of Feb. 28, 2026, 859 youth have been approved for jobs through the incentive, and four youth have completed 200 hours of work.
Related news
- Kick-starting careers for young Albertans (Sept. 11, 2025)