Alberta Labour is offering some grant money for businesses and new and old employees, to expand their skill set through formal training and education.

Workforce Consultant for the Alberta Ministry of Labour Cheryl Olenick says the Canada Alberta Job Grant, is an excellent opportunity for businesses to save money and acquire new talents for their workplace.

"We have a program called the Canada Alberta Job Grant with funds that could be provided to help them skill up, train up or add additional skills to their existing workforce."

Applicants for the grant may receive up to a two-third reimbursement for existing employees up to $10,000.

However Olenick says that newly hired members, may receive even more.

"If they're [business owners] looking to bring on board new people, but they find that there is some skill areas, some competencies they would like to have them to train to, then they could potentially be reimbursed for one hundred per cent of that training, for a new hire."

There is some limitations to the grant, as it requires applicants to be trained at a third party institute (outside the employer), the applicant must be in training for at least 21 hours over a 12 month period, and the training excludes apprenticeship programs and post-secondary degrees.

Olenick says for those looking for a certificate by an accredited institution, the program works great.

"Some of the things mentioned, were business management training for staff, that was approved, childcare short term certification for daycare owners that wanted to skill up their workforce, it's pretty wide open as long as the training is going to enhance the skills of new employees and existing employees."

More information on how to apply for the grant, can be found here.

 

Send us your news tips, story ideas and comments at news@highriveronline.com