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Part of Class 1 Learning Pathway Grant Program

Employment Pathway Grant

Get funding to train and onboard new and future Class 1 drivers, helping to grow Alberta’s transportation workforce.

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Class 1 Learning Pathway Grant Program

Overview

The Employment Pathway Grant provides funding to employers in the commercial transportation industry to invest in their workforce and secure training for new drivers.

This program aims to enhance workforce participation, improve retention, and support professional development for Class 1 drivers. Eligible employers can apply for funding to be reimbursed for costs associated with hiring and training Class 1 drivers.

Grant information session

Watch the recording of the latest information session held on April 15, 2025, to learn more about this grant.

Programs goals and benefits

This program aims to help employers build a more sustainable workforce by addressing key challenges such as employment, training and retention. By funding employers to train and hire new Class 1 drivers, the program will:

  • expand the pool of future drivers and generate interest in the industry
  • boost driver retention through employer support and professional development opportunities
  • provide industry-specific training for new and future drivers

Who can apply

Through this funding stream, employers can apply to be reimbursed for training and onboarding costs associated with training and hiring new Class 1 drivers. To qualify for the Employment Pathway Grant, employers must be one of the following:

  • a private business, including sole-proprietors, general and limited partnerships, and corporations
  • non-profit organizations
  • First Nations and Metis Settlements

All employers must be established in Alberta for at least one year and must be in good standing with the province.

Note: Employees cannot apply directly to this program.

Funding categories

There are 3 funding categories under which employers can apply:

  • 1. Reimbursement of new driver training costs

    Employers can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per employee to cover the costs of Class 1 Learning Pathway training.
        
    The reimbursement structure is as follows:

    • Entry Program: Eligible for reimbursement of up to $700, if the employee is engaged in Entry Training support at a licensed driving school. The cost of online Entry Training is not eligible for reimbursement.
    • Core Learning Program: Eligible for reimbursement of up to $6,800.
    • Competence Building Program: Eligible for reimbursement of up to $2,500.

  • 2. Incentive for onboarding new drivers

    Employers can receive a $10,000 onboarding incentive for hiring and employing a new Class 1 driver with fewer than 2 years of experience, for at least 90 days.

  • 3. Reimbursement of professional development costs

    Employers can receive reimbursement of up to $5,000 per employee to cover the costs of professional development for a licensed Class 1 driver. This may include Advanced Driver Training programs such as Long Combination Vehicle, Heavy Duty Hauler, or Water Truck Operator.

How to apply

Employers can apply through the grant portal.

See the Employment Pathway Grant Applicant Guide for details.

Application resources

The following videos provide more information about how to submit an application in the portal.

Account creation

Watch this video for a step-by-step guide to setting up your account.

Portal overview

Watch this video for a quick tour of the grant portal and how to navigate it.

Employment Pathway Grant application

Watch this video for an overview of how to apply for the Employment Pathway Grant.

Contact

For questions related to this grant, please contact [email protected].

Back to Class 1 Learning Pathway Grant Program
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