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By rdnewsNOW staff

Includes Wetaskiwin

Provincial government invests $17 million into youth employment supports

May 26, 2025 | 5:14 PM

The Government of Alberta is investing $17 million into youth employment supports in the province including in Wetaskiwin.

The province allocated $1.1 million into the Career Assistance Network in Wetaskiwin for the NextGen Youth Employment Services program.

That was just one of many examples of the province’s investments into youth employment supports in hopes of continuing to be what they call the land of opportunity.

With over five million people living in Alberta, the provincial government says this investment will help ensure there are pathways to prosperity for decades to come.

“Investing in our young people today means investing in a better future for our province,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services. “Through partnerships with community organizations across the province, we are making it easier for young Albertans to find a job, bring home a paycheque, and build a stronger, better future for themselves.”

The investment will expand virtual and in-person employment services for youth such as creating a resume, practicing for an interview, job search strategies and job placements among other things.

The province says this will not only give hope to future generations but also build the workforce needed to support the local economy.

“Alberta’s economy depends on a strong, skilled workforce – and that starts with our youth. This investment ensures more young Albertans can get their foot in the door, gain experience and power the future of our province,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration.

Alberta’s government partners with local employment service providers to deliver these employment supports and this investment is anticipated to help even more young Albertans than in previous years. Last year alone, officials say Alberta Assisted Living and Social Services helped 8,646 youth access employment supports.

“The safety and stability that can come from gainful employment will help ensure that every young Albertan is able to have the opportunity to build the foundation of their future success,” said Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services. “By investing in employment supports, we are preserving the Alberta Advantage and ensuring that every young Albertan can participate and contribute to their communities.”

Some other examples of the province’s investments in youth employment supports include:

The City of Calgary received $6 million to operate the Youth Employment Centre to help youth with resume targeting, job search strategies, interview preparation, career planning and connections to employers who are hiring.

Meanwhile in Edmonton, BGS Enterprises received $3.5 million to help at-risk youth navigate education, employment and the early career stage.