Strive 4 Work program logo

Matching Employers with Trained Job Seekers

Employers: Struggling to find & retain qualified staff? We can help!

Employer applications are accepted year-round.

For more information please contact Jessie Cadman, Strive 4 Work Job Developer, at 780.918.2227 or by e-mailing us

Job Seekers: Get 10-Week In-Person Skills Training Sessions
& 12 Weeks of Work Experience

Strive 4 Work is an employment-focused program for individuals with mental health issues and medical conditions in Edmonton. This is a great opportunity for employment skills development and training facilitated in person at our South Edmonton location, followed by work experience with a quality employer and the potential for employment to follow.

Next program intake starts in February 2024

Stay tuned to this page in the New Year for updates!

Objectives of the Strive 4 Work program:

  • To assist individuals with mental health issues and medical conditions in Edmonton to prepare for and obtain employment and develop the skills necessary to maintain employment.
  • To assist employers with strategies, supports, and resources to help them integrate potential employees with mental health issues and medical conditions into their workplace.

Training Will Consist Of:

The participant program schedules are Monday – Friday.

Lending Library icon

Essential Skills

Skills covered include communication, stress management, resume and interview skills, computer proficiency, standard first aid/CPR/WHMIS, food safety, service excellence & job search strategies. Additionally any necessary individual certificates, such as Proserve.

Work Experience

Work experience hours are negotiated with the employers. Employers receive a wage subsidy to hire individuals for 12 weeks of work experience. It is anticipated that employers will continue to retain the individuals once the wage subsidy ends.

Living Allowance

Living Allowance

Selected participants will receive a living allowance of $15/hr while attending the 10 weeks of skills training.

Paid Work Experience Placements with Potential Employment Opportunities

We assist clients with many mental health issues and medical conditions, enabling them to overcome employment barriers and receive the support they need to attain and retain work.

Ready, willing, and able to do whatever is necessary to find employment? We’d love to help you!

  • Program staff work 1:1 with you to secure paid work experience  placements

  • Employers are eligible for a wage subsidy, with work exp hrs negotiated

  • Potential employment for participants may follow

Eligible Participants:

  • Individuals with disabilities living in Edmonton

  • Not eligible or in receipt of EI

  • Eligible to work in Canada
  • Be ready, willing and able to work
  • Must be 18+

Medical Conditions, Permanent Injuries, and/or Disabilities including:

  • Mental Health – anxiety, depression, acute stress, ADHD, OCD, learning disabilities

  • Physical – Crohn’s Disease, colitis, back issues, mobility issues, amputation, limitation in physical function of body or limbs, Hep C, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer, chronic pain, permanent injury, etc.
  • Hearing – loss of hearing, deafness
  • Vision – limited vision, blindness
  • Neurological – epilepsy, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s

Have questions?

strive4work@employabilities.ab.ca

335-3699 Mill Woods Road NW, Tower 2, Edmonton, Alberta

Or get the process started by filling out the form below!

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for People with Disabilities Program