WorkFirst Alberta includes employer toolkit, labour market information
The Alberta government has launched WorkFirst Alberta, a new suite of employment services designed to connect job seekers with meaningful work and support employers in building a skilled workforce.
The initiative, backed by a $185-million investment through Budget 2025, aims to make it easier for Albertans to access workshops, reskilling opportunities, and career supports, while providing employers with the tools they need to find and retain talent.
“Employment services are more than a link to the job market. They are a lifeline for people navigating unemployment, career changes, or new training needs. That is why our government partners with over 100 employment service providers across the province to help Albertans succeed in the workforce,” says Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services. “We have seen great success in the last year. More than 38,000 Albertans and over 8,000 employers have accessed these supports, including nearly 9,000 youth, who are facing a challenging job market right now.”
The initiative is meant to make it easier "for Albertans to find work and for employers to access talent,” Nixon said.
Connecting employers, employees in Alberta
WorkFirst Alberta, now available at workfirstalberta.ca, allows employers to connect with local supports, access an employer toolkit, and obtain labour market information through the new program.
It also connects job seekers to personalised employment supports, including résumé assistance, workshops, career planning, assistive technology, and supported job placements. The program also offers wraparound supports such as child care, transportation, and mental health services.
WorkFirst Alberta also includes enhanced supports for Albertans facing barriers to employment, such as persons with disabilities. The province is preparing to launch the Alberta Disabilities Assistant Program (ADAP), which will empower Albertans with disabilities to pursue fulfilling job opportunities while continuing to receive the supports they need.
WorkFirst Alberta will continue to evolve, with both job seeker and employer matching services scheduled to launch in 2026. The job matching tool will enable employers to post job openings and specify required skills and experience, supporting the hiring of a diverse range of candidates, including those facing employment barriers.
Unemployment in Alberta
In August, both the unemployment rate and the number of unemployed workers in Alberta went up, while the employment and unemployment numbers dropped. The participation rate also dropped as the labour force count increased.
Despite this, most Alberta industries and occupations saw a year-over-year increase in employment numbers.
According to the Alberta government, last year more than 38,000 Albertans received employment services through the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services, and over 8,000 employers accessed employment supports. Nearly 9,000 youth participated in employment services, with 75 per cent moving into work or education, and more than 22,000 women were served, including 2,000 single mothers.
Employers can enrol at WorkFirst Alberta right here to receive updates and participate in new initiatives. The province is also launching a marketing campaign featuring real stories from Albertans who have benefitted from government-funded employment services, which will be showcased on the WorkFirst Alberta webpage.
Recently, the federal government announced new funding under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Program that includes a $26.1-million investment that will support six national projects designed to address barriers young people face in the job market.
Many Canadian employers continue to struggle with hiring skilled talent, according to a previous report from the ManpowerGroup.
