Closed
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : March 19, 2026
Location
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Overview
Strive 4 Work (EmployAbilities) supports adults with disabilities, mental health barriers, or medical conditions in Edmonton by providing career training and work experience to help participants move into employment, including a living allowance of up to $15/hour during the 10 weeks of in-person skills training. Eligible activities include attending 10 weeks of weekday training (communication, stress management, résumé/interview preparation, computer skills, job search strategies, and certificates such as Standard First Aid and Food Safety) followed by 12 weeks of employer-based work experience, with employers potentially eligible for a 50% wage subsidy for the first 12 weeks of employment.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : March 19, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Edmonton
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring and onboarding a Strive 4 Work graduate in your Edmonton-area business.
- Participating as an employer partner by providing a work placement (work experience) for a Strive 4 Work participant.
- Creating a short-term employment opportunity for a Strive 4 Work graduate that may qualify for a wage subsidy during the first 12 weeks.
Documents Needed
- Valid photo ID
- Proof of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 or higher (speaking, reading, and writing)
- Proof of completion from a recovery centre (if applicable)
- Medical clearance related to substance use recovery (if applicable)
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers looking to hire pre-screened, pre-trained work placement candidates
- Businesses participating in employer spotlights, Q&A, and pre-screen interviews
Who is not eligible
- Public job seekers
Eligible expenses
- Wages paid to a hired Strive 4 Work graduate, subsidized at 50% for the first 12 weeks of employment.
Eligible geographic areas
- Edmonton, Alberta.
Additional information
- Fall intake is currently full; applications are expected to reopen in January 2026.
- The program includes in-person classroom training followed by work experience, for a total duration of 22 weeks.
- During the training period, sessions are scheduled Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- The program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for People with Disabilities program.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Strive 4 Work Program
What is the Strive 4 Work?
Strive 4 Work (EmployAbilities) supports adults with disabilities, mental health barriers, or medical conditions in Edmonton by providing career training and work experience to help participants move into employment, including a living allowance of up to $15/hour during the 10 weeks of in-person skills training. Eligible activities include attending 10 weeks of weekday training (communication, stress management, résumé/interview preparation, computer skills, job search strategies, and certificates such as Standard First Aid and Food Safety) followed by 12 weeks of employer-based work experience, with employers potentially eligible for a 50% wage subsidy for the first 12 weeks of employment.
How much funding can be received?
Strive 4 Work Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Strive 4 Work program?
To be eligible for the Strive 4 Work program, you must:
Employer hiring Strive 4 Work graduates (Edmonton).
May qualify for a 50% wage subsidy for the first 12 weeks.
What expenses are eligible under Strive 4 Work?
Hiring and onboarding a Strive 4 Work graduate in your Edmonton-area business.
Participating as an employer partner by providing a work placement (work experience) for a Strive 4 Work participant.
Creating a short-term employment opportunity for a Strive 4 Work graduate that may qualify for a wage subsidy during the first 12 weeks.
Who can I contact for more information about the Strive 4 Work?
You can contact EmployAbilities by email at strive4work@employabilities.ab.ca or by phone at 780.423.4106.
Where is the Strive 4 Work available?
The Strive 4 Work program is available the province of Alberta.
Who are the financial supporters of the Strive 4 Work?
Strive 4 Work is funded by EmployAbilities