Calgary Economic Development launches new program to help students gain work experience

Calgary Economic Development is expanding its efforts to support young job seekers with the launch of TalentED Greater Calgary, a new work‑based learning initiative designed to help students and recent graduates gain practical experience in the region’s workforce.

The program builds on the success of TalentED YYC, a pilot project that connected students with local employers to complete real‑world projects and paid placements.

For many young people, securing those opportunities can be difficult.

“Often it’s very hard,” said Ben Reamico, who is interested in joining the program. “It’s a steep incline because you have to DM people, cold emails, calls, and you know, a lot of rejections and nos and waiting.”

That challenge is reflected in provincial data. According to the Government of Alberta, the unemployment rate for Albertans aged 15 to 24 reached 14.5 per cent in December 2025, underscoring the need for more accessible pathways into the workforce.

Supported by a $3 million investment from the Alberta government, TalentED Greater Calgary aims to help address that gap. The initiative targets youth aged 18 to 24, offering structured placements that connect them with employers and industry mentors.

Reamico said the program provides clarity and direction that many young job seekers struggle to find.

“It gives you the clear, like, okay, I have to connect with this person, and that person will help me develop this inside,” he says. “It’s like a whole community.”

Calgary Economic Development says the pilot program demonstrated the value of that community‑based approach.

Deana Haley, the organization’s vice‑president of intelligence and productivity, said the results exceeded expectations.

“We were able to create over 3,200 work‑integrated learning placements, as well as support over 460 employers,” Haley said. “In the end, we were able to generate an estimated $16 million in economic impact.”

For participants like Rica Bandigas, the experience offered more than just a resume boost. She said the pilot helped her build confidence and workplace readiness.

“Learning workplace etiquette, social skills as well, it’s truly the opportunity to pick up different things,” Bandigas said.

With the new program, Calgary Economic Development hopes to create an additional 2,000 industry placements by 2027. Students and employers interested in participating can learn more at JoinTalentEd.com.