September 18th, 2025
Hiring and training staff is one of the biggest challenges for Alberta restaurant operators. With youth unemployment sitting at 17%, the highest in the country, Alberta’s government is stepping in to help employers bring young workers into the industry.
Starting October 2025, the new Alberta Youth Employment Incentive Program will provide funding of up to $7,500 to restaurants and other businesses that hire and train young Albertans between the ages of 15 and 24.
This initiative, backed by $8 million in provincial funding, is expected to support 1,000 employers and create 2,500 youth jobs across Alberta. For restaurants facing staffing shortages, it’s a timely opportunity to get financial relief while investing in future talent.
The incentive helps cover part of the wages and training costs when hiring youth workers. Here’s how restaurants can qualify:
The province is essentially covering up to $10 per hour of a young worker’s wage, reducing the financial pressure on restaurant owners while making it easier to bring new staff onboard.
All funding will be administered through CAREERS website, a not-for-profit organization with 27+ years of experience connecting youth with employers.
Restaurants are often the first employers for young workers. By participating in this program, restaurant operators can:
As Premier Danielle Smith put it, this initiative gives employers “a reason to take a chance on youth and help them gain the experience that leads to lifelong careers.”
For Alberta restaurant owners, the Youth Employment Incentive Program is a win-win: it reduces staffing costs, fills critical labor gaps, and helps train the next generation of workers. With funding available up to $7,500, this is one program you don’t want to miss.
Start preparing now by identifying roles in your restaurant that could be filled by young workers and get ready to apply in October 2025.
Any Alberta employer, including restaurants, can apply as long as they hire youth between the ages of 15–24 and meet the minimum hours requirement for the chosen funding level.
Restaurants can receive $4,000 by hiring 1–2 youth for at least 400 hours, or $7,500 by hiring 3–5 youth for at least 750 hours. Smaller incentives ($900 and $1,800) are also available for shorter placements.
