Settlement, Integration and Language Projects - Building Community Capacity Stream

Settlement, Integration and Language Projects - Building Community Capacity Stream is sponsored by Government of Alberta. This stream funds initiatives to help communities develop their capacity and readiness to attract, welcome and retain newcomers.

Settlement, Integration and Language Projects grants | Alberta.

ca Alberta Settlement and Integration Program Supports for Newcomer Integration grants Settlement, integration and language projects grants August 10, 2026 – Grant intake opens September 14, 2026 at 4:00 pm – Deadline to submit applications January 2027 – Funding notifications issued All projects funded through this call for proposals (CFP) must start no later than March 31, 2027.

Apply to have your settlement, language and integration project funded under one of the following 2 streams: Building Community Capacity – This stream will fund initiatives to help communities develop their capacity and readiness to attract, welcome and retain newcomers.

Supporting Labour Market Attachment – This stream will fund training projects that provide skill development with a language component for underemployed or unemployed newcomers to attach to the labour market. Organizations may submit only one application in total for this call for proposals.

Applicant information call On August 25, an applicant information call gave applicants the opportunity to ask questions related to the proposals, read the questions and answers from the call . To apply for a grant, applicant organizations and projects must meet these guidelines.

Eligible applicants for Stream 1: Building Community Capacity non-profit organizations, including immigrant-serving, community, ethno-cultural and multicultural organizations municipalities, including municipal districts economic development organizations be a legal entity in Alberta have the ability, including financial management, to implement a grant agreement demonstrate at least 2 years of relevant experience in related activities to those being proposed in the application For projects with partnerships, an applicant must be: an eligible applicant as listed above the lead role in planning the project scope, timeline and outputs the lead in the project coordination accountable for all project deliverables and reporting requirements Partner organizations must provide a letter that outlines their role in the project, and should actively contribute to the project goals, scope, outputs, and outcomes.

To be eligible, projects must: be time-limited, up to a maximum of 24 months fit within the funding stream listed in the Application Guidelines address at least one of the outcomes identified for the funding stream noted in the Application Guidelines cost no more than the funding cap set for the stream Eligible applicants for Stream 2: Supporting Labour Market Attachment non-profit organizations in the settlement and language sector post-secondary institutions social enterprises, cooperatives, or consultants with expertise in adult education, and the settlement or language sector be a legal entity in Alberta have the ability, including financial management, to implement a grant agreement demonstrate at least 2 years of relevant experience in related activities, for example, development of language and employment curriculum and training to those being proposed in the application For projects with partnerships, an applicant must be: an eligible applicant as listed above the lead role in planning the project scope, timeline and outputs the lead in the project coordination accountable for all project deliverables and reporting requirements Partner organizations must provide a letter that outlines their role in the project, and should actively contribute to the project goals, scope, outputs, and outcomes.

To be eligible, projects must: be time-limited, up to a maximum of 24 months fit within the funding stream listed in the Application Guidelines have the ultimate goal of sustainable, long-term employment for learners, and address at least one of the outcomes identified for the funding stream cost no more than the funding cap set for the stream Step 1. Review the Application Guidelines Before applying, review the Application Guidelines .

It contains detailed information about eligibility, funding priorities, the application process, and assessment criteria. Also review the Grant Agreement Template in the guidelines. It outlines the terms and conditions of the grant, including the reporting requirements that successful applicants must meet.

Step 2. Create an account and submit your application Watch this instructional video for guidance on creating your Alberta. ca Account.

Watch the instructional video on accessing and navigating the grant application page. Complete the online application form. Upload all required supporting documents in the Supporting Documents section of your application.

Required for all applications: Project Description (using the provided template ) Budget (using the provided template ) Diversity and Inclusion Policy or Statement A Letter of Support is required for first-time applicants. A partner organization requires a Partnership Letter or a Second Partnership Letter (if providing additional partnership information) Step 3.

Submit the application After completing your application and uploading all required documents, review your submission carefully before submitting it through the online grant portal. After you apply, the following steps occur: We screen applications to make sure they are complete and meet the eligibility criteria. A committee reviews and scores applications that pass the initial screening.

Scoring is based on the overall application package and how it addresses the following criteria: project components and design ability of organization to deliver project risk identification and management We will consider all applications recommended by the application review committees, and award grants based on: 4.

Negotiation and final grant agreements Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further discussion and refinement of their application, as needed. We will notify all applicants to share the results of their applications. Note : Final award decisions are at the discretion of the Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration.

2025-26 projects funded – Stream 1: Building Community Capacity The Building Community Capacity stream funds initiatives to help communities develop their capacity and readiness to attract, welcome and retain newcomers.

Training & Tools to Strengthen Community Based Newcomer Supports Awarded to: Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) This province wide capacity building initiative runs for 24 months from March 2026 to March 2028 and supports rural and small centre communities across Alberta. The project develops and delivers five Alberta specific training courses and a practical toolkit through live and self paced formats.

Target audiences include municipal staff, libraries, employers, educators, health providers, and volunteers who support newcomers through indirect services.

Strengthening Employer Capacity in Alberta’s Hospitality Sector to Support Newcomers Awarded to: Alberta Workforce Essential Skills Society (AWES) Delivered province wide over 24 months from March 2026 to February 2028, this initiative expands AWES’s eLearning Hub with webinars, eBooks, and tip sheets for hospitality employers.

Employers, supervisors, and trainers across Alberta access evidence based resources integrating literacy, ESL, Skills for Success, plain language, and cultural competency. An online Community of Practice supports peer learning and expert engagement.

Building Employer Capacity for Newcomer Integration Awarded to: Care for Newcomers This Central Alberta project runs for 24 months from March 2026 to February 2028 and supports employers through workforce needs assessments, tailored coaching, workshops, peer learning, and communities of practice.

The initiative also develops a sustainable employer resource bank to strengthen inclusive recruitment, onboarding, and retention of newcomer workers across sectors.

Awarded to: Drayton Valley and District Community Learning Association Delivered in Drayton Valley and surrounding rural areas over 24 months from April 2026 to March 2028, this project supports newcomer settlement and integration through a dedicated Newcomer Navigator, cultural competency training for service providers, and social integration activities.

Resource navigation tools provide ongoing guidance to newcomers and community members. Building Community Capacity through Indirect Services Awarded to: Kneehill Adult Learning & Newcomer Services This local rural initiative runs from April 2026 to March 2028 (24 months) and engages employers, non settlement stakeholders, service providers, and community members.

The project strengthens indirect settlement supports through relevant resources, services, and coaching to improve community readiness and responsiveness to newcomer needs.

Intercultural Ambassador Capacity Initiative Awarded to: The Connection Intercultural Association of Medicine Hat Delivered in Medicine Hat over 24 months from April 2026 to March 2028, this initiative trains at least 160 local residents through a structured Intercultural Ambassador Training Program, learning circles, an Ambassador Toolkit, and an online micro learning platform, strengthening community welcoming capacity.

Francophone Youth Leaders of Diversity Awarded to: Portail de l'immigrant association (PIA) Delivered in Calgary, this 24 month project (April 2026 to March 2028) supports 90 francophone youth aged 15–25 from immigrant backgrounds.

The initiative delivers 12 leadership and inclusion workshops focused on identity, civic engagement, and belonging, and establishes five Youth for Inclusion Clubs to provide ongoing peer led spaces for connection and leadership development. To strengthen the broader support environment, the project also offers GBA+ and diversity training for educators and practitioners.

Community events and a youth led media campaign promote dialogue and positive narratives around diversity. Together, these activities build youth leadership capacity and support more inclusive and welcoming francophone communities.

Newcomer Youth Employment Learning Network Awarded to: PolicyWise for Children & Families This province wide project runs from March 2026 to February 2028 (24 months) and connects employers, industry associations, immigrant and youth serving organizations, and community leaders through a peer learning network.

The initiative strengthens inclusive employment practices and supports improved labour market integration outcomes for newcomer youth.

Action for Healthy Communities (BRIDGE ing Northern Alberta) Awarded to: Rural Development Network Delivered across Northern Alberta over 21 months from April 2026 to December 2027, this project supports four partner communities through an inclusivity assessment tool that generates an Inclusivity Rating and detailed reports. Virtual capacity building training strengthens newcomer inclusion and long term community readiness.

2025-26 projects funded – Stream 2: Supporting Labour Market Attachment The Supporting Labour Market Attachment stream funds training projects that provide skill development with a language component for underemployed or unemployed newcomers to attach to the labour market. Note : These projects are made possible in part through the contributions of the Government of Canada, Workforce Development Agreement.

Paramedic Transition Program Awarded to: Alberta International Medical Graduate Association (AIMGA) Delivered in Calgary over 24 months from April 2026 to March 2028, this program supports 30 internationally trained physicians transitioning into paramedic careers.

Participants complete two cohorts of up to 15 individuals, each undertaking 40 weeks of training that combines online and in person instruction, safety certifications, and a practicum. The program enables participants to leverage existing medical expertise while developing the specialized knowledge and workplace competencies required for paramedic roles, supporting entry into Alberta’s emergency medical services workforce.

BCW Bilingual Hair & Beauty Workforce Integration Program Awarded to: Black Canadian Women in Action Delivered in Edmonton over 24 months from April 2026 to March 2028, this employment training initiative serves 50 newcomers through four eight week cohorts, delivered part time at 20 hours per week.

The program combines bilingual hairstyling instruction, embedded English language learning, and supervised Canadian work experience delivered in BCW’s Community Training and Practice Space. Participants develop technical skills, workplace communication, and employment readiness to support entry into hair and beauty sector employment or further training pathways.

Empowering Newcomers for Energy Resilience in Carbon Neutral Careers (ENERLINC) Awarded to: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society This Calgary based initiative runs for 18 months from March 2026 to September 2027 and serves 75 permanent residents through four cohorts. Each cohort includes a 6 week intensive training phase followed by a 4 week supported job search, delivered full time (25+ hours per week) in a blended format.

Training focuses on Alberta’s low carbon economy, emerging energy technologies, workplace communication, intercultural competencies, and AI enabled job search strategies to support transition into energy sector and adjacent careers.

Digital Transformation Skills Training Program for Immigrant Women Awarded to: Canadian Immigrant Women’s Association Delivered in Calgary over 24 months from April 2026 to March 2028, this project supports 60 newcomers through four cohorts.

Participants complete 12 weeks (240 hours) of full time classroom based training covering ServiceNow fundamentals, workflow automation, IT service processes, project management, workplace communication, and essential digital skills.

Training is followed by a four week work placement and three months of individualized job search and retention support, including business communication language enhancement, to support labour market attachment in digital and IT service roles.

Language Support for Newcomers for Childcare Awarded to: Keyano College Delivered in Fort McMurray over 24 months from May 2026 to April 2028, this initiative serves 45 permanent residents through three cohorts. Each participant completes a 54 hour part time classroom preparatory course followed by a 24 hour practicum coordinated by FRAP.

Training prepares participants to complete the Child Care Orientation Course and obtain Level 1 Childcare Certification, supporting entry into the childcare workforce. Hospitality Ready: Employment Training for Frontline Careers Awarded to: The Immigrant Education Society Delivered in Calgary over 24 months from March 2026 to March 2028, this project serves 112 newcomers across eight cohorts.

Participants complete a 9 week program with 22. 5 hours of instruction per week, followed by a 100 hour practicum with a Calgary hospitality employer. Training integrates English language development, customer service, workplace communication, cultural awareness, and job readiness to support successful entry into frontline hospitality employment.

IT Service Technician Program for Newcomers Awarded to: Solomon College Delivered in Edmonton over 24 months from March 2026 to December 2027, this program serves 45 newcomers through three cohorts of 15 learners. Participants complete a four month full time curriculum followed by a one month employer practicum, with training aligned to CompTIA A+ and Google AI Essentials certification.

The program supports entry into entry level IT service and technical support roles. First Step to Integration: Language, Culture, and Employment Supports for Newcomers and their Employers Awarded to: Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative (MCHB) Delivered in Edmonton, this 16 month project (March 2026 to July 2027) supports 42 newcomers facing language and employment barriers through an intensive, workplace based program.

Participants complete a 16 week program delivered on site at employer partner workplaces for 25 hours per week, combining hospitality sector language instruction with workplace readiness training and certification attainment. The program integrates a supervised workplace practicum that allows participants to apply learning in real world settings.

Each participant also receives individualized support from a dedicated Culture/Career Coach, supporting goal setting, workplace integration, and retention. By embedding language and skills development directly in the workplace, the project strengthens participants’ employability, supports inclusive employer practices, and facilitates sustainable connections between newcomers and Edmonton area employers.

Trades Pathways for Newcomers – Pipe Trades Awarded to: NorQuest College This Edmonton based program runs for 21 months from March 2026 to December 2027 and serves 36 newcomers with CLB 5+ English.

Delivered in partnership with Alberta Pipe Trades College / UA Local 488, participants complete 16 weeks of classroom instruction integrating language and essential skills, accredited pipe trades training, safety certifications, and an industry site observership. Graduates are prepared to challenge Alberta Industry Training first year apprenticeship exams and pursue entry level employment or apprenticeship pathways.

Awarded to: PALS – Project Adult Literacy Society Delivered in Edmonton, this 24 month initiative (April 2026 to March 2028) supports 60 newcomers to prepare for employment in Alberta’s construction sector. Participants complete a 12 week, part time curriculum delivered through a flexible hybrid model that integrates classroom and online instruction.

Training focuses on English for Trades, site readiness preparation, safety awareness, and workplace communication. The program includes a one week work placement with employer partners, providing participants with hands on experience and exposure to Canadian construction worksites.

By combining language training with practical preparation and employer connections, the project supports pathways into entry level construction employment or apprenticeship and strengthens newcomers’ long term labour market attachment.

2024–25 projects funded – Stream 1: Building Community Capacity The Building Community Capacity stream funds initiatives to help communities develop their capacity and readiness to attract, welcome and retain newcomers.

The City of Grande Prairie Inclusive and Caring Community (GPICC) Phase #2 Awarded to: City of Grande Prairie The City of Grande Prairie Inclusive and Caring Community (GPICC) initiative builds on recent foundational projects to help 60 local employers and service providers develop their capacity and readiness to attract, welcome, and retain newcomers.

GPICC Phase 2, running from March 2025 to March 2027, aims to enhance newcomer integration, strengthen employer support systems, and equip service providers with the necessary tools to fill labour gaps over a 24-month project period. This initiative stimulates the economy and fosters a sustainable ecosystem, positioning Grande Prairie as an exemplary place to live, work, play, and do business.

Southeast Alberta Rural Attraction, Retention, and Welcome Hubs Awarded to: City of Medicine Hat The Southeast Alberta Rural Attraction, Retention, and Welcome Hubs Project unites the City of Medicine Hat with the Medicine Hat Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) to create a workforce attraction toolkit for employers.

This toolkit will support the development of workforce attraction missions, helping employers reach and attract a diverse, skilled workforce to address labour shortages in the region's mid-size, small, and rural centres.

The 24-month project, which runs from April 2025 to March 2027, collaborates with 370 stakeholders, including libraries, employers, and local community organizations to build capacity for settling and integrating newcomers in smaller rural communities. Key initiatives include the development of Library Welcome Hubs, an Inclusive Workplace Recognition Program, and Roundtable Discussions to reduce rural barriers.

Newcomer Community Integration Initiative Awarded to: Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee (CISC) The Newcomer Community Integration Initiative in Cochrane seeks to build the capacity of service providers, ethnocultural groups, employers, and the public to support newcomers, promoting a sense of belonging and retention.

Key activities through the 24-month project, which runs from March 2025 to March 2027, will include working with 90 service providers and workplaces to raise awareness of newcomer needs, enhancing understanding of community services, establishing a Newcomer Community Integration Hub for networking and collaboration, and improving labour market integration for newcomers.

Improving Employer Access to Newcomer Recruitment and Hiring Supports Awarded to: Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC) The Improving Employer Access to Newcomer Recruitment and Hiring Supports project will help Edmonton employers build their capacity to recruit and hire newcomer talent.

This 24-month initiative, which runs from March 2025 to March 2027, led by the ERIEC in partnership with the Bredin Centre for Career Advancement and engages employers in high-demand industries including IT, Energy, Construction, and Finance.

The project will address bottlenecks in hiring newcomers and will develop targeted training to address specific gaps, such as effectively communicating career progression to newcomer job candidates. It will also engage 110 stakeholders to convene forums to collaboratively design solutions to systemic barriers that go beyond training.

Building on the success of the YEG Connect Employer Feedback Forum (2022-24), this initiative aims to increase employers' awareness, knowledge, and skills for recruiting and hiring newcomer talent. It also seeks to enhance partnership capacity among employers and stakeholders, ensuring the successful recruitment and integration of newcomer hires.

Building Rural Community Champions through Knowledge-Sharing Training to Welcome, Attract, Retain, and Motivate (WARM) Newcomers Awarded to: Rural Development Network The Building Rural Community Champions through Knowledge-Sharing Training to Welcome, Attract, Retain, and Motivate (WARM) Newcomers project is a community-wide training initiative for rural Northern and Central Alberta.

This 18-month project, which runs from March 2025 to August 2026, engages over 150 staff and community members to offer community-wide training to diverse sectors, including municipalities, community organizations, housing providers, employers, and schools.

The project aims to increase community capacity to effectively address newcomer integration challenges, enhance cross-sector collaboration for more coordinated support, provide practical tools and resources for newcomer settlement, create welcoming environments that attract and retain newcomers, and promote sustainable economic growth through successful workforce integration.

The Rural Development Network, guided by a dedicated newcomer advisory committee and subject matter experts, will develop training content specifically tailored to the needs of community stakeholders.

Supporting Intercultural Workplace Inclusion (SIWI) in Medicine Hat Awarded to: Saamis Immigration Services Association The Supporting Intercultural Workplace Inclusion (SIWI) project by Saamis Immigration Services Association offers critical insights into the Canadian labour market and practical guidance for hiring newcomers in Canada.

Over a 24-month period, from June 2025 to May 2027, the project will engage 50 service organizations and employers, alongside 100 members of the public. SISA will foster strong relationships with partners and employers through training and community engagement, promoting collaboration, resource sharing, and expertise exchange.

Initiatives, including presentations to potential employers and community groups, public meetings, and information booths, will build capacity and raise awareness about newcomers' skills and talent. This effort will inform potential employers about the benefits of diverse workforces, address issues of immigration and cultural sensitivity, and ultimately cultivate supportive, inclusive work environments.

Newcomer Settlement and Integration Community Resource Navigation Program Awarded to: Town of Smoky Lake The Newcomer Navigation Supports Program is a transformative initiative designed to strengthen the Town of Smoky Lake’s ability to address the evolving needs of a diverse and growing community.

Running from April 2025 to March 2027, this program will leverage robust partnerships with 50 local organizations and stakeholders to enhance community capacity to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomers. Focused on fostering social inclusion and equipping local organizations with the tools and knowledge to support integration, the program will empower the entire community to thrive together.

This initiative emphasizes collaboration and proactive engagement, ensuring that newcomers feel valued and connected while building bridges of understanding with long-term residents over the 24-month project duration. The ripple effects of these efforts are designed to bolster newcomer retention while driving Smoky Lake’s collective prosperity, enriching the community socially, culturally and economically.

Ultimately, this initiative will position Smoky Lake as a model of inclusivity and innovation in rural Alberta. Welcoming Neighbors: A Community Ambassador Program The Welcoming Neighbors: Community Ambassador Program is a 24-month initiative in Parkland County (near Edmonton and Stony Plain), running from March 2025 to March 2027, that is designed to help newcomers integrate into rural communities.

Led by TriCALA (Tri Community Adult Learning) and in partnership with local libraries and community organizations, the program will train local residents, organizations, and businesses to become Community Ambassadors who support newcomers in their settlement journey.

By addressing rural challenges like limited services, cultural isolation, and misconceptions about newcomers, the program will offer training in intercultural communication, mentorship, and community engagement. It also develops resources, facilitate networking, and create sustainable support systems.

The initiative aims to build community capacity, promote intercultural understanding, and ensure newcomers have access to essential information and support networks by working with over 45 interest holders across Parkland County.

2024–25 projects funded – Stream 2: Supporting Labour Market Attachment The Supporting Labour Market Attachment stream funds training projects that provide skill development with a language component for underemployed or unemployed newcomers to attach to the labour market. Note : These projects are made possible in part through the contributions of the Government of Canada, Workforce Development Agreement.

Cultural Interpretation Services for Our Communities (CISOC) Awarded to: Alberta International Medical Graduates Association (AIMGA) AIMGA's Medical Interpreter Training Program targets International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking alternative careers in medical interpreting in Canada.

Running from March 2025 to March 2027, this 24-month skills-based program leverages participants’ medical education, linguistic, and cultural skills to help them develop knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for examinations to become certified medical interpreters. The project supports three virtual cohorts of 20 IMGs with CLB 7 and above, for a total of 60 participants from Calgary and across Alberta.

Over 16 weeks, the program integrates these skilled individuals into Alberta’s labour market, transitioning them from situations of un(der)employment to roles where their backgrounds are fully utilized. After program completion, participants are better prepared to secure employment, which leads to increased earnings, enhanced job satisfaction, and a significant contribution to filling a crucial need in patient care.

Green Economy Training (GET) for Newcomer Professionals Awarded to: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) CCIS' Green Economy Training (GET) for Newcomer Professionals program supports the integration of foreign-trained STEAM professionals Alberta’s renewable energy sector.

The Calgary-based project will run from March 2025 to September 2026 and will deliver four full-time, in-person workshops to groups of 15 learners with CLB 6 and higher, totalling 60 participants over 18 months. These workshops provide an overview of Alberta’s emerging green economy, along with essential employability skills and job search strategies to help participants secure and retain professional employment.

Following the training, learners will transition into direct employment opportunities in their targeted renewable energy roles. Hospitality Training for Immigrant Women Awarded to: Calgary Immigrant Women's Association The Hospitality Training for Immigrant Women project will equip immigrant women with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary for employment in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Co-developed with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and supported by industry leaders like the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, this in-person program, running from June 2025 to March 2027, will provide 12 weeks of full-time training.

Participants will receive 8 weeks of occupational-specific instruction in event coordination and hospitality management fundamentals, followed by 4 weeks of work experience placement and weekly job coaching. The project aims to train 75 immigrant women across five intakes between June 2025 and March 2027, with training delivered on-site at Calgary Immigrant Women's Association’s main office in Calgary.

Food Service Job-Readiness Program for Red Deer and Area Awarded to: Catholic Social Services The Food Service Job-Readiness Program is a full-time initiative in Red Deer and area that empowers newcomers to secure employment in the food service sector. Over its 24-month timespan, from March 2025 to March 2027, the program prepares a total of 50 newcomers (CLB 3-5) across five cohorts for entry-level food service roles.

Participants will receive 25 hours of weekly training for four weeks, covering food industry English, safety, customer service, teamwork, payment handling, and Canadian workplace culture. Following training, a two-week practicum in Red Deer or surrounding communities will provide hands-on experience, leading to Alberta Food Safety Certification. The program will also include two weeks of intensive post-practicum employment support.

First Steps to Integration: Language, Culture, and Employment Supports for Newcomers and their Workplaces Awarded to: Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative LTD This Edmonton-based program is a 16-week, 20-hour per week initiative delivered on-site with employer-partners.

Its goal is to help newcomers with low English language skills (CLB 3-4) and complex employment barriers find jobs by building their knowledge and skills, and by improving workplace intercultural understanding. Serving 36 newcomers over the 16-month period from March 2025 to July 2026, this blended learning program focuses on hospitality-specific English language development.

It covers industry language, essential workforce skills, workplace culture, job search techniques, digital literacy, and self-awareness. The program also features a Culture/Career Coach and a workplace practicum. Job skills training is co-facilitated by an English as an Additional Language (EAL) instructor and a workplace trainer, fostering valuable intercultural exchange.

This program intentionally "brokers" relationships, strengthening the capacity of both newcomers and employers. Trades Pathways for Newcomers Awarded to: NorQuest College The Trades Pathways for Newcomers program, a collaborative effort between NorQuest College and CLAC Career Development College (CCDC), will provide industry-approved trades training to newcomers.

This initiative, which runs from March 2025 to December 2026 in Edmonton, includes language, vocational, and essential skills support, along with a work placement, to help participants overcome barriers to entering the construction trades. This 19-week, full-time program supports 24 permanent residents and convention refugees with a CLB 6 or higher over a 21-month period.

Participants will be prepared to challenge Alberta industry training (AIT)'s first-year apprenticeship exams and will gain the necessary skills, safety training, work experience, and credentials to secure entry-level construction trades positions, begin an apprenticeship, or pursue further trades training.

Awarded to: Solomon College LTD The Childcare Worker Program in Edmonton is a full-time, integrated language and employment training initiative designed to help 60 immigrant and refugee women with CLB 4-7 secure jobs in the childcare sector.

Over five months, participants receive 25 hours of weekly in-class instruction covering essential workplace skills, occupation-specific language, and safety training (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, first aid, food safety). This prepares them for a one-month work placement in various childcare settings, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge hands-on and ultimately achieve Level 1 Childcare Certification.

Using a blended learning model, the 24-month program, which runs from March 2025 to March 2027, aims to enhance participants' skills and connect them with employment, helping Alberta provide affordable, accessible, and inclusive childcare options for families.

Admin Ready: Administrative Skills for Success Awarded to: The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) Admin Ready is a 10-week administrative professional training program for permanent residents, refugees, and naturalized Canadian citizens with a CLB 5 or higher.

This program, which runs from March 2025 to March 2027, will empower learners to overcome employment barriers and successfully transition into administrative roles within Alberta's labour market by combining English language and employment training to equip learners with the essential digital, administrative, and soft skills needed to succeed in the Canadian workplace.

Delivered in a hybrid format, Admin Ready accommodates both in-person and online participation, making it accessible to learners across Alberta as well as in Calgary. The program will train 84 participants through seven intakes of 12 individuals over the 24 months of the project.

Instruction totals 24 hours per week, covering topics like Advanced Digital Skills for Administrative Professionals, Workplace Soft Skills, and Job Readiness and Employment Skills. Participants can also opt for an 80-hour unpaid work placement, which provides valuable Canadian work experience and practical application of their new skills.

Patient Navigator Program - Integrating International Medical Graduates into Alberta's Labour Market Awarded to: Alberta International Medical Graduates Association (AIMGA) The Patient Navigator Program initiative is intended to support International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who are seeking alternative careers in healthcare here in Canada.

Eligible candidates are those who are Canadian Citizens and Permanent Refugees seeking to find jobs in Canadian health sector. This project is a skills-based program that focuses on developing skills and gaining hands-on experience for successful integration into the Alberta Health sector. The training is flexible and set up as hybrid over 16 weeks.

Learners have a choice to train in person and on-line. The goal of this initiative is to increase overall knowledge and awareness of career pathways and work and workplace engagement within Alberta’s healthcare sector. Upon completion, the internationally trained doctors will be equipped with the skills required for successful workplace integration.

Strengthening Industry Capacity to Support Newcomer Awarded to: Alberta