Be featured in the YEC’s monthly Employer Spotlight blog.

• Inform young people about company culture, job qualifications and available career opportunities. 

Talk to interested youth about employment opportunities. 

• A virtual Q&A is often hosted in addition to an Employer Spotlight, or it can be utilized for ongoing in-demand opportunities and topics of interest.   

Help youth learn more about career possibilities through:

• Informational interviews: The YEC matches interested clients with working professionals for a maximum of 1-hour conversation to offer advice and build insights.  
• Living Library: This series gives youth the ability to network, connect and learn from industry professionals in small groups.
• Career talks: Through YEC’s Journey Forward collaboration, experienced working professionals can educate youth interested in various career paths at select high school locations.  

Capitalize on customizable FREE YEC recruitment services. 

• Advertising: Promote job opportunities, hiring events and aligned programming to thousands of followers through the YEC’s various digital and in-house platforms. 
• Pre-screening: Access the YEC’s talent pool and get direct referrals that are prescreened for qualifications and fit. 
• Exclusive hiring sessions: For high demand positions with multiple roles, allow us to coordinate all the logistics for a tailored hiring event. We’ll recruit candidates, pre-screen applicants, and set up interview times.
• Youth Hiring Fair: Those who qualify can also take advantage of Calgary’s largest youth hiring event. Learn more on how to participate in the Youth Hiring Fair.

• ALIS – Alberta Learning Information Service
  • Career, labour market, and employer best practices for recruiting and retaining youth.
• Employment and Training Services Directory (Alberta)
  • Directory of provincially funded employment and training services.
• OHS Resource Portal – Employing Young Workers
  • Occupational health & safety guidance specific to young workers.

Wage subsidy of up to $7,500 per eligible hire.

The Alberta Youth Employment Incentive helps employers bring young talent into their workforce while offsetting costs. This program supports employers in meeting current staffing needs while investing in Alberta’s future workforce.  

This program is funded by the Government of Alberta and administered by CAREERS: The Next Generation, a non-profit with nearly 30 years of experience connecting youth and employers across the province. 

• Supports Albertans aged 15–24. 
• Subsidy:  
  • $4,000 for hiring 1–2 youth (400+ combined hours) 
  • $7,500 for hiring 3–5 youth (750+ combined hours) 
• Covers up to $10/hour in wages 

50–70% wage subsidies for post-secondary students returning to school.

The Student Work Placement Program supports employers in providing paid, hands-on work experience to post-secondary students in roles related to their field of study. Student work placement activities can include, but is not limited to: mentorship programs, co-op placements, practicums, and internships.

• Supports post-secondary students in co-ops, internships, and mentorships. 
• Subsidy: Up to $5,000 per student; up to $7,000 for underrepresented groups. 

View list of funding options by sector.  

Wage subsidies for summer employment (ages 15–30).

Part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which is the Government of Canada’s commitment to help young people between the ages of 15 and 30, particularly those facing barriers to employment - gain valuable work experience and successfully transition into the labour market. 

• Supports youth aged 15–30 with wage subsidies for full-time summer jobs. 
• Eligible employers: Non-profits, public sector, and private employers with ≤50 employees. 
• Subsidy: Up to 50% of minimum wage (up to 100% for non-profits). 

• Employment Pathway Programs (Alberta)
  • Funding streams supporting hiring and training in high-demand sectors.
• Class 1 Learning Pathway Grant Program
  • Supports commercial driver training and workforce entry.
• Workplace Training Program (Alberta)
  • Funding for employer-delivered, on-the-job training.
• Alberta Jobs Strategy
  • Youth pathways into skilled trades and professions (ages 16–24).
• Training and Employment Services (Alberta)
  • Specialized employment services and funding for unemployed or under-employed Albertans.

• OY Works – Opportunity Youth Employer Toolkit
  • Youth-friendly job posting guides, retention checklists, hiring event templates, and case studies.
• OY Works – Inclusive Hiring Toolkit
  • Employer toolkit co-designed with Alberta employers and youth-serving organizations.

• CAREERS: The Next Generation
  • Industry-led Alberta non-profit connecting high-school students to paid internships, mentorship, and work-integrated learning.
    

• Alberta Employment Standards Toolkit – Youth Employment Module
  • Legal guidance for hiring and employing workers under 18.