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

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*
  • Company Reimbursement: $4,000 (100%)**

FIRST Jobs 250

250 Hours 15-20 hours per week
  • Intern Stipend: $5,000*
  • Company Reimbursement: $4,000 (80%)**

FIRST Jobs: Scale-Up

500 Hours 30-40 hours per week (Full-time)
  • Intern Stipend: $10,000*
  • 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

The FIRST Jobs Program has been supported by the Government of Canada through Prairies Economic Development Canada, and the Government of Alberta.