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Find the Talent You Need
We have helped 1000s of Alberta Tech companies get the talent they need to take them forward and build momentum. Get the right person for your needs and grow your business. With job seeker connections across Alberta’s innovation community and educational institutions, this is your chance to scale your company with local talent.
FIRST JOBS PROGRAM
FIRST Jobs Program
WAITLIST OPEN - APPLY NOW
Below you will find links to each program pathway, as well as general information applicable to the FIRST Jobs program.
The FIRST (First Industrial Research, Science, or Technology) Jobs placement program by Technology Alberta, with support from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada, will create over 400 employment opportunities for students and recent graduates in Alberta through 2024. The FIRST Jobs programs aims to connect innovative technology SMEs with talent from post-secondary institutions across Alberta.
Technology Alberta is proud to offer multiple pathways of FIRST Jobs, to best support the SME community. Read below to find a pathway that works best for your business or career.
For additional information, please attend a virtual information session, or apply by selecting one of the 3 program pathways below.
FIRST Jobs 200
200 Hours
10 hours per week
-
Intern Stipend: $4,000*
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Company Reimbursement: $4,000 (100%)**
FIRST Jobs 250
250 Hours
15-20 hours per week
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Intern Stipend: $5,000*
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Company Reimbursement: $4,000 (80%)**
FIRST Jobs: Scale-Up
500 Hours
30-40 hours per week (Full-time)
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Intern Stipend: $10,000*
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Company Reimbursement: $7,500 (75%)**
*Interns are paid $20/hr in all programs
**Companies are required to pay students, and then apply for reimbursement (details outlined in contract with Technology Alberta)
***Companies may participate in only one FIRST Jobs: Scale-Up work term
Eligibility and Requirements
Employer Eligibility
- Company is incorporated and operating in Alberta
- SME (fewer than 100 employees)
- Working in the technology sector and creating innovative solutions
- Able to provide a meaningful work integrated learning experience to their hired student/new graduate
- Able to provide mentorship to their hire on their provided project
- Able to pay their hire $20/hour for the program duration (200, 250, 500 hours)
Jobseeker Eligibility
- Currently studying at an accredited post-secondary institution located in Alberta (or graduated within the past 6 months)
- For a complete list, click here.
- Over 18 years of age
- Alberta resident and able to work within the province for the duration of their work term
- International students are eligible for FIRST Jobs programs
- Have not previously completed a FIRST Jobs Program work term (in any stream)
- Have not previously been employed by their First Jobs company
- Requirements are expanded upon through each program page. (Above)
How to Participate
Employers
Jobseekers
Employers
APPLY to the program stream best suited to your company. You may apply to multiple streams, but can hire for one stream at a time.
ATTEND a virtual information session to gain additional information on program requirements and expectations.
POST your project to the FIRST Jobs board through the portal.
INTERVIEW applicants
HIRE your candidate and begin their work terms!
Additional instructions are posted to the FIRST Jobs Portal. Virtual information sessions are offered weekly, and program staff are readily available to assist you through the program.
Jobseekers
REGISTER to FIRST Jobs using the Jobseeker Registration Form
- Only one application is needed! Students and new graduates will apply through the Jobseeker Registration form. If accepted to the program, you will receive access to the Technology Alberta Job Board. There, you can apply to both FIRST Jobs WIL (200 hour and 250 hour) and Scale-Up (500 hour) positions, depending on your availability.
ACCESS the portal once your application has been approved.
LOGIN to set up your profile
APPLY to jobs posted to the FIRST Job board through the portal
- You will be able to apply for positions from any program pathway. Pay attention to the project length (200, 250, or 500 hours) and schedule (Full-Time or Part-Time)
INTERVIEW with companies
BEGIN your work term!
Additional instructions can be found on the FIRST Jobs Portal.
Virtual information sessions are held weekly on Thursdays, where program staff are available to walk you through participation in FIRST Jobs.
The FIRST Jobs Program has been supported by the Government of Canada through Prairies Economic Development Canada, and the Government of Alberta.
