Supported by the Government of Alberta Advanced Education Work-Integrated Learning Industry Voucher pilot program (See Press Release below).
– multiple cohorts of an updated FIRST Jobs Work-Integrated-Learning Program Pilot are underway. This program provides opportunities for job seekers who are Alberta students and new graduates and are interested in working in Alberta’s strong and growing tech sector. Through this paid work experience and industry engagement program, Technology Alberta FIRST Jobs will be helping 100 job seekers per year to be matched up with 100 Alberta SME Tech companies – in 2 Cohorts of 50.
FIRST Jobs WIL is a fully funded, 200-hour work-integrated learning program. The next cohort will be held in the Fall of 2023.
- Operating and registered in Alberta and/or has a significant Alberta presence with offices in the province
- Must be a small-to-medium-sized enterprise (SME, under 100 employees)
- Able to provide meaningful work experience to a student, including by providing mentorship and support
- Will develop one or more projects to be completed over a 20-week period / 200 hours
- Technology companies bringing innovation to the province, creating advanced technologies as their core business
- Currently studying at an Alberta Post Secondary Institution (PSI) OR a recent graduate of an Alberta PSI within the last six months at the time of being accepted to the program
- Alberta resident who is legally able to work in the province for a minimum of 10 hours a week
- Have not previously held a position through Technology Alberta Jobs Programs (past FIRST Jobs cohort, and/or NExT Level Careers)
- Have not been previously employed by their FIRST Jobs Company
- Are over the age of 18
Learn more about participating in the FIRST Jobs program
Requirements are expanded upon within the respective application form.
For information on Technology Alberta’s new FIRST Jobs: Scale-Up program, click here.
See the Full Press Release on how this is part of the Government of Alberta’s 2030 plan. The Work-Integrated Learning Industry Voucher Pilot Program will fund Alberta Tech Companies to provide approximately 300 jobs for Alberta Students and New Grads, through the Technology Alberta FIRST Jobs pilot program over the next 3 years. Also funded are additional opportunities through BioAlberta and the Alberta Construction Association
The ‘Map of Alberta’ graphic below shows 50 Tech Companies from across the province who provided Work-Integrated Learning opportunities for students over 20 weeks:
Click here to read more about the ‘first’ cohort of FIRST Jobs WIL.
Comments from Technology Alberta FIRST Jobs’ Program Participants:
1) “Our team is our strength and our success to date has relied on engaging with the young talent in Alberta through internship, research and work experience programs. That is why we are one of the 50 Alberta tech companies who are pleased to work with Alberta students through programs like the Technology Alberta FIRST Jobs program.”
– Myrna Bittner, CEO Founder, RUNWITHIT Synthetics
Company Description: RUNWITHIT is a women-led, Certified Aboriginal and SET100 company – and a global leading company in advanced, AI-based modelling
2) “The common advice I have always received is the importance of internships and work experience for a student. I see this program as an opportunity to use what I learn in the classroom in real workplace situations, learn from mentors and develop new relationships – which could even help me land a full-time role.”
– Reeyan Maknojiya, Calgary work-integrated-learning student at VizworX
Company Description: VizworX integrates advanced technologies to create innovative and flexible solutions to support human engagement.
3) “Thanks to the FIRST Jobs program I got an internship and eventually a job. I’m now working as a research scientist there. This couldn’t have happened without the FIRST Jobs program. I’m very thankful for that.” PhD Student/Graduate, Edmonton
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