In these uncertain times – with tariffs and other economic challenges – Alberta’s government recognizes the need to expand employment services so more Albertans can connect to meaningful work and earn a paycheque. Employment services are critical to helping Albertans find and explore career paths, employment and training options so they can get reconnected to the job market. Through Budget 2025, Alberta’s government is investing $185 million – an increase of almost $89 million – to expand employment supports for Albertans and help employers find, hire and train workers.
“Our government is committed to creating opportunities for Albertans to find and maintain meaningful employment. 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.”
Alberta Career and Employment Information Services (CEIS) connects Albertans across the province with career, employment and training opportunities. Job seekers have access to a wide range of in-person and virtual services, including career counselling, job placements, career and job fairs and work-specific courses to eliminate barriers to employment. Alberta’s government provides more than 250 grants and contracts to employment service providers across the province to connect Albertans with the specialized supports they need to find and maintain employment. Budget 2025’s investments are anticipated to help more than 820,000 Albertans find and maintain jobs this year.
“Budget 2025 was about meeting the challenge, and that includes in areas where we have labour shortages and helping Albertans find work. These supports will create jobs for Albertans who need it.”
Budget 2025 also doubles the province’s investments to support on-the-job training in collaboration with employers, including more than $20 million in simulated worksites. These sites provide Albertans with paid, hands-on experience and training from local employers from various industries to prepare for stable employment. There are currently five simulated worksites across the province in Calgary, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Millet and Fort Saskatchewan. Budget 2025’s additional investments will expand these simulated worksites to even more locations, ensuring the province is building the workforce needed to support Alberta’s success.
“Our goal is to connect our clients with employers offering fair, sustainable wages, and help graduates move into careers that provide real economic security and stability. We’ve helped 175 Albertans overcome barriers to meaningful employment, and our graduates have achieved impressive results with 78 per cent of our clients becoming successfully employed. SkillBit’s success reflects the resilience and ambition of Albertans, and we are proud to continue this important work with renewed funding.”
“Further investments in employment and income support programs show a recognition of the need to address Alberta’s population growth and the potential impacts of proposed U.S. Tariffs. These investments will provide Albertans with opportunities to achieve labour market success and financial independence despite economic uncertainties.”
“Thanks to the Alberta Government’s investment in career and employment services, Prospect Human Services supported over 14,000 Albertans and 900 employers last year. More than 80 per cent of our clients successfully moved toward employment, education, or training — strengthening Alberta’s workforce, families, and economy.”
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.