Federal Funding for Youth and Disability Employment Training: What It Means for You

Federal Funding for Youth and Disability Employment Training: What It Means for You

The Government of Canada has announced over $2.6 million in new funding for job training and placement programs in Drumheller, Alberta. This money will help young people facing barriers and persons with disabilities get the skills and support they need to find meaningful work.

Here’s what this means for you, who is eligible, and how you can take advantage of these opportunities.

Key Impact: More Job Training and Support

This funding creates real, paid opportunities for two groups:

• Youth (ages 15–30) who face barriers to employment (e.g., lack of experience, mental health challenges, or being out of school/work)
• Persons with disabilities who need extra support to find and keep a job

The money goes to MH Enterprises in Drumheller, Alberta, but similar programs exist across Canada.

The Numbers

Nationally, the government is investing:

• $632 million in YESS from 2024 to 2028 (helping at least 20,000 youth)
• $272.6 million extra for the Opportunities Fund over five years

What the Programs Offer

Both programs provide personalized services, including:

• Mentorship and coaching – one-on-one guidance
• Paid work placements – real job experience with a wage
• Skills training – resume writing, interview prep, job-specific skills
• Wraparound supports – childcare, mental health counselling, transportation help

Do These Programs Work? Yes.

• 76% of YESS participants were still employed one year after the program
• Average wage increase of $9,400 after two years
• For the Opportunities Fund, every $1 invested returns $1.31 in benefits

Who Is Affected

You are affected if you are:

• A young person (15–30) who is not in school, not working, or facing barriers to employment
• A person with a disability looking for work or needing extra support to keep a job
• An employer in Alberta or across Canada who wants to hire trained, supported workers

You may also be affected if you live in a rural or small community – these programs often target areas where jobs are harder to find.

What You Should Do

If you are a young person or person with a disability:

1. Contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) – call 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) or visit your local Service Canada centre
2. Reach out to MH Enterprises in Drumheller, Alberta – they are the direct recipient of this funding
3. Search for similar programs in your province – most provinces have local organizations that deliver YESS and Opportunities Fund services
4. Ask about wraparound supports – childcare, counselling, and transportation help may be available
5. Prepare your documents – have your resume, ID, and any relevant medical or disability documentation ready

If you are an employer:

• Contact ESDC to learn how to host paid work placements
• These programs often cover wages and provide support for the employee

Bottom Line

The Government of Canada is investing over $2.6 million in Drumheller, Alberta, to help 76 youth and 97 persons with disabilities get job training, paid work experience, and ongoing support. Nationally, hundreds of millions more are available through 2028. If you are a young person facing barriers or a person with a disability, these programs can help you build skills, gain experience, and find stable employment. Contact Employment and Social Development Canada or a local service provider to get started.