Eligible employers must have been operating in Alberta for at least one year and be one of the following:
- A registered for-profit businesses
- A registered non-profit organizations
- A First Nations or Métis settlement
Ineligible types of employers
- Federal, provincial, or municipal governments
- Public sector or publicly funded organizations such as hospitals and health authorities
- Provincial or federal crown corporations not listed under eligible applicants
- Public post-secondary institutions, schools, school boards and any school and authority listed on Alberta Education’s Schools and Authorities index
- Political parties
- Holding companies whose primary purpose is ownership of assets
Employers must also meet the following criteria:
- Fair Pay – Youth must be paid at or above Alberta’s minimum wage, in accordance with Alberta employment standards
- Employer Responsibilities – Youth are employees of your organization. This means you are responsible for recruitment, hiring, orientation, contracts, payroll/deductions, and all other standard employer obligations.
- Safe Workplace – Employers must ensure youth have safe and supportive working conditions.
- Skills Assessment – After a youth employee completes 200 hours, employers are asked to assess basic work-readiness skills. Successful participants can earn a Government of Alberta digital Work Readiness Badge.
All positions are eligible except:
- A registered apprenticeship position through Apprenticeship and Industry Training (including RAP)
- CO-OP positions facilitated through CAREERS
- Positions already supported by another wage subsidy grant/incentive
