Alberta Jobs Now Program: How to Apply

Alberta Jobs Now Program: How to Apply

Hiring and training new staff can be costly, especially if your new employee needs time to learn job skills. The Alberta Jobs Now Program helps Alberta employers by giving money to cover part of wages and training for unemployed Albertans. If you plan to hire and train, knowing how to apply can help you get thousands of dollars in support.

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Program Overview

The Alberta Jobs Now Program is a provincial wage and training subsidy. It supports employers who hire unemployed or underemployed Albertans and provide on-the-job training. This program helps businesses fill roles and gives workers a chance to build long-term employment skills.

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Eligibility and Funding

What funding does the program offer?

Employers can get up to $25,000 per employee to help pay for wages and job-related training during the approved training period. Funding is paid after hiring and when training steps are finished.

Key points:

• Funding covers wages and job training costs
• Training must help the employee keep the job
• Employers must still pay some wages themselves
• The funding limit is per employee, not per business

Who can apply?

Employer eligibility

• Must operate in Alberta
• Must be legally registered and in good standing
• Must offer a job that includes structured training
• Should try to keep the employee after training ends

Employee eligibility

• Must be unemployed or underemployed
• Must be allowed to work in Canada
• Must live in Alberta
• Cannot be an immediate family member of the employer

What types of jobs qualify?

The program supports many roles:

• Full-time and part-time positions
• Permanent and seasonal jobs
• Jobs that need new skills or upskilling

The job must be new or a big change from past roles and include a clear training plan.

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Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Alberta Jobs Now Program

Applying is easier if you prepare each step.

1. Define the job and training plan

Before you apply, decide:

• The job title and main duties
• What skills the employee will learn
• How long the training will last
• What the wage will be during and after training

2. Find a candidate who qualifies

You can apply:

• After you find a candidate, or
• While you are still recruiting, as long as you can describe the job

The candidate must meet the unemployment and residency rules.

3. Submit your application online

Apply through the Government of Alberta’s Alberta Jobs Now portal. You will need:

• Business registration information
• Job description and training plan
• Employee details (if you have chosen someone)
• The amount of funding you want

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher makes it easy to see which programs fit your province and hiring goals, especially when looking at wage subsidies.

4. Wait for review and approval

Processing times depend on how many applications are submitted. Most delays happen when applications are missing information.

5. Hire and train the employee

After approval, you can:

• Officially hire the employee
• Start the training plan
• Keep records of wages and training costs

6. Submit claims for reimbursement

You get the funding after you send in all required documents that show wages paid and training completed.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not having a clear training plan
  Vague or incomplete training plans are often rejected.

• Hiring before you are approved
  Costs before approval usually cannot be claimed.

• Requesting money for ineligible workers
  Family members or already fully employed people do not qualify.

• Missing paperwork when claiming funds
  Missing wage records can slow down or lower your payment.

For more tips, see Common Mistakes Employers Make When Applying for Wage Subsidy Grants.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much funding can I get per employee?
Up to $25,000 per employee is available for wages and training costs, depending on the job and training plan.

Q: How long does it take to get approved?
Timeframes vary, but complete applications are reviewed faster. Most delays happen when information is missing or unclear.

Q: Can I use Alberta Jobs Now with other grants?
Sometimes, yes. You may be able to use more than one grant, but total public funding cannot be more than your actual costs. Always list other funding sources.

Q: Is Alberta Jobs Now funding taxable?
Wage subsidies are usually taxable income for your business. Check with your accountant for details.

Q: Do part-time jobs qualify?
Yes, part-time roles can qualify if they include real training and meet the program rules.

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Next Steps

The Alberta Jobs Now Program can help lower the cost of hiring and training your next employee. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including Alberta wage subsidies, so you can easily find what matches your business needs.

To learn more about related programs, see Federal vs Provincial Wage Subsidy Programs in Canada: Key Differences or How to Use Wage Subsidy and Student Hiring Programs to Reduce Staffing Costs.
Ready to find more wage subsidies? Visit GrantHub to compare the latest programs for Alberta employers.