Government of Alberta aims to enhance youth employment rates by restricting immigration influx.
The Alberta government is taking action to encourage local hiring and reduce the reliance on temporary foreign workers, particularly among young people. Last week, Premier Danielle Smith invested $8 million into the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive (AYEI) to spur 1,000 businesses to hire 2,500 young people.
Under the AYEI, employers can receive funding to pay $10 per hour for up to 400 hours of young people's wages. The non-profit organization CAREERS manages the incentive. Employers who hire young people can expect a helping hand from CAREERS, as Premier Smith mentioned in her speech to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
For those seeking employment, the City of Calgary's Youth Employment Centre offers valuable resources. Services include resume targeting, interview preparation, and connecting youth with potential employers. The centre is free to access for anyone aged 15 - 24. Additionally, the centre's social media platforms provide information on upcoming job opportunities for youth.
Hardeep Seeghat, a youth employment counsellor, emphasizes the importance of networking and initiating conversations in job searches. Seeghat also encourages youth to seek advice from their inner circle, including teachers, mentors, parents, and friends.
The Alberta government is also implementing measures to strengthen the labor market for young people. These initiatives include collaboration with existing prevention networks, holistic support approaches that involve families of young people at risk of poverty and marginalization, and projects promoting digital skills and career adaptability. The aim is to provide future-proof vocational training and increase local youth employment to lessen reliance on foreign labor.
In her mandate letter to Joseph Schow, Premier Smith directed him to seek more provincial control over international immigration to Alberta. Smith also stated that the federal government has to scale back the temporary foreign worker program, and Alberta is trying to create an opportunity to bridge the gap.
Unemployment rates among young people in Alberta are concerning. As of August, the unemployment rate in Alberta rose to 8.4%, the third highest across Canada. However, youth unemployment in Alberta is more than double that, sitting at nearly 20%.
The Alberta government encourages employers to reach out to the AYEI for staffing opportunities. By doing so, they can not only support local youth but also contribute to a more sustainable labor market in the province.
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