GRANTS & FUNDING FOR CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES
Alberta construction companies can tap provincial and federal funding to train staff, hire apprentices and youth, adopt new technology, and lower WCB premiums. The programs below are grouped by what they pay for, with a direct link to each official program page.
Program details, amounts, and intake dates change often. Always confirm eligibility on the official program page before applying. The Edmonton Construction Association does not administer these programs. Know of a grant we missed? Let us know.
Training Your Workforce
The Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant reimburses up to $100,000 per employer per fiscal year for third-party training. It replaced the Canada-Alberta Job Grant in 2025.
What it funds:
Third-party training in business process and operations management, technical skills, or digital and technology skills, completed in Alberta within 52 weeks
Funding:
50% of eligible costs, up to $5,000 per existing employee per year; up to 75% (max $10,000) when hiring and training an unemployed Albertan; max $100,000 per employer per year
Status:
Open; apply through the CAPG portal before training starts
Good to know: CAPG covers tuition, textbooks or software, exam fees and approved travel, but not wages. Apprenticeship technical training, soft-skills courses, and training for owners, shareholders or family members are not eligible. Read the applicant guidelines or call the processing centre at 780-638-9424.
Hiring & Training Apprentices
Employers who hire first-year Red Seal apprentices can combine a federal tax credit with a new federal hiring incentive of up to $10,000 per apprentice, expected to open this fall.
Program:
What it funds:
Small and medium-sized employers hiring a first-year apprentice in an eligible Red Seal trade; also offers matching and navigation support
Funding:
Up to $10,000 per first-year apprentice
Status:
Announced; launching fall 2026. Replaces the paused federal Apprenticeship Service
What it funds:
Wages paid to apprentices in the first two years of a registered Red Seal apprenticeship
Funding:
Non-refundable credit of 10% of eligible wages, up to $2,000 per apprentice per year
Status:
Ongoing; claimed on your tax return
Good to know: unused tax credit can be carried back three years or forward twenty. Apprentices themselves can access the Canada Apprentice Loan and other supports listed on the Red Seal financial support page.
Hiring Youth & Students
Wage subsidies help construction employers bring on young workers, summer students and entry-level trades placements.
Program:
What it funds:
Summer jobs for youth aged 15 to 30; private-sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees, non-profits and public sector
Funding:
Wage subsidy; private-sector employers receive up to 50% of the provincial minimum wage
Status:
Annual intake, typically November to December for the following summer
Program:
What it funds:
Paid, entry-level construction and trades work placements of up to four months for youth aged 15 to 30, leading toward apprenticeship
Funding:
Delivered through funded organizations; employers host placements
Status:
New federal program; rolling out 2026
What it funds:
Work-integrated learning placements for post-secondary students
Funding:
Wage subsidy through a sector delivery partner (e.g. ECO Canada, Electricity Human Resources Canada)
Status:
Year-round
Productivity, Technology, and Innovation
Firms that fabricate products, develop new methods or invest in technology may qualify for equipment and R&D funding. The Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant closes to new applications on October 31, 2026, or sooner if funds run out.
What it funds:
Technology and production equipment for Alberta manufacturers with 5 to 750 employees; may suit companies doing prefabrication, modular, millwork or steel fabrication
Funding:
Up to $30,000 matching (50%); one project per company
Status:
Applications accepted until October 31, 2026; projects done by December 31, 2026. Delivered by CME; requires a CME-approved operational assessment
What it funds:
Incorporated SMEs (up to 500 employees) developing or adopting innovative, technology-driven products, services or processes, including clean technology
Funding:
Non-repayable contributions, sized with an Industrial Technology Advisor
Status:
Ongoing; start by contacting an advisor
What it funds:
Experimental development work, such as testing new materials, methods or construction processes
Funding:
Federal tax credits on eligible R&D spending
Status:
Ongoing; claimed with your corporate tax return
What it funds:
Projects that cut energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, from equipment upgrades to new technology
Funding:
Varies by funding call
Status:
Calls open and close through the year; check current calls
Safety: Lower Your WCB Premiums
Earning a Certificate of Recognition (COR) can return 10% of your WCB industry rate in the first year and 5% each year you keep it.
What it funds:
Refunds for employers with a COR-certified health and safety program; also rewards improved injury performance
Funding:
10% industry-rate refund the first year with a COR, 5% each year after; or 1% for each 1% improvement in performance, up to 20%
Status:
Ongoing; register with PIR and file your WCB annual return on time
Good to know: a COR under review after a serious incident pauses PIR refunds. Your COR is issued through a certifying partner such as the Alberta Construction Safety Association.