Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG)
Receive up to 66-100% in Employee Training Grants.
TheĀ Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG)is anĀ Alberta government fundingĀ program that offers training grants to employers. Through the program, companies may receive non-repayable funding from the government to purchase third-party business training programs, including training for in-demand skillsets. Training is expected to improve the employability and value employees can provide; including new hires in these training sessions can also maximize your funding potential.
Learn more about the Canada Job Grant (CJG) and each provincial stream.
Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG)
Amount of Funding
Update: Temporary Change
The following program changes expand eligibility to help businesses access the training they need. These temporary changes are effective from February 18, 2021 until February 28, 2022.
1. Eligible trainee now includes employed family members of eligible employers.
2. Business owners (incorporated, unincorporated/sole-proprietor and partnerships) with 4 or fewer employees, including all owners, are now eligible to train themselves.
3. Training is no longer required to be incremental.
- Up to two-thirds of the cost to a maximum of $10,000 per trainee per fiscal year.
- If hiring and training an unemployed Albertan, up to 100% of training costs could be covered, up to $15,000 per trainee.
- A maximum of $300,000 in small business grants may be awarded each year.
Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG)
Eligible Applicants
Update: Temporary Change
Operational program changes: The following permanent operational changes will make the application process more efficient. These permanent changes are effective as of February 18, 2021.
1. Training can start once the application is received by the CAJG.
2. Employers may pay for training at any time; however, the training cannot start until all trainee(s) have signed the application and the application is received by the CAJG.
3. Course information is no longer required to be listed on the training providerās website.
4. Customized training is eligible.
5. Revised list of eligible and ineligible training cost.
To qualify for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG), employers must be:
- Alberta-based private sector employees, non-profit sector employees, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, Alberta Treasury Branches, and First Nations and Metis Settlements.
Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG)
Eligible Activities
CAJG grants offset up to 100% of eligible activities for business training programs focused on advancing skills in areas such as communication, leadership, project management, technology, software, marketing, sales, safety, planning, and much more.
Alberta training grants will specifically cover the costs of:
- Third-party trainer fees;
- Tuition, student, and examination fees;
- Textbooks and course materials; and
- Training-related software.
While most training programs qualify for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG), applicants are most successful when applying for one of three training categories:
- Career or Development Training: Enhancing the skills, knowledge, and ability of employees to support career advancement.
- Maintenance and Refresher Skills Training: Updating and maintaining the skills, knowledge, and ability of specialists within an organization.
- Essential Skills Training: Providing the skills needed for work, learning, and life. These are easily transferable skills employees can use to find a job and succeed in the workplace.
Programs Ineligible for CAJG Funding
There are two general types of training initiatives not supported through CAJG:
- Internal Training: Training programs led by company managers or other employees. Training expenses covered through CAJG are predominantly used to cover the costs of training programs purchased from a third-party vendor.
- Product Vendor Training: Training where the vendor is involved in the creation/sale of the product and is also conducting the training in how to use that particular product. Training on software or equipment must be performed by an external organization.
Ineligible Expenses
Training project costs that can not be claimed for CAJG funding include:
- In-house training programs; and
- Training programs performed outside of Alberta.
Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG)
Program Deadline
- Application packages are accepted year-round.
- Employers should apply for funding in accordance with their expected training start date.
- Training projects must start within 6 months receiving approval and must be completed within 12 months of training start date.