The Province is spending $1.7 million on a new program aimed at getting young Albertans to work.

It's called the "GenA" Program and Labour Minister Christina Gray says it'll put 350 people to work over the two year span of it's pilot project status and prepare hundreds more to join the work force.

"The GenA Program helps young workers gain skills they need to find success in the workplace, while also helping employers connect with the young generation. The pilot program is a product of our partnership with Prospect Human Services, which helps Albertans overcome obstacles in the search for meaningful employment."

The pilot's already been working behind the scenes in Calgary and Edmonton for the last six months, finding jobs for nearly 100 people.

In a release the Province says:

GenA provides tailored supports and resources to youth ages 18 to 30 so they are better prepared to enter the workforce.

This includes placement and retention supports for finding suitable employment, the development of essential skills, as well as the creation of employment action plans.

GenA also works with Alberta employers to help them attract, recruit and retain youth by providing specialized consultation services, helping employers develop youth engagement strategies and connecting employers directly with GenA clients.

The GenA program is part of The Alberta Jobs Plan which is working to create jobs and diversify the economy in the face of economic challenges.

The Alberta Jobs Plan supports young Albertans with the training and resources they need to secure and maintain employment in the economic downturn.