Alis – Career, learning and employment information for Albertans

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Alberta
ALIS
Alberta Supports Contact Centre

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Youth: Transition to a Career and Independence - alis
Are you a youth trying to make it on your own? Have you had children's services status or been in care? These resources can help you become independent.
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Alert

Government's holiday closure runs from December 24 to January 1, 2025. For emergency supports, please visit alberta.ca or call the Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135.
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I am a youth working towards independence

Get Support

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Tools and Resources

Leaving Care and Stepping Into Adulthood

If you’re between 16 and 24 years old and can’t count on family support, here are some ways you can prepare yourself to be a happily independent adult.
Youth sitting on the bed of a pickup truck full of furniture
Tools and Resources

Taking Care of Adult Basics

Living life as an adult means independence. It also means being responsible for a lot of basic day-to-day things. Are you ready to adult?
Youth standing behind a vehicle with an open trunk full of things
Tools and Resources

Finding a Place to Live as a Young Adult

Kicked out, aging out, or just starting out? These options can help you put a safe roof over your head.
Pregnant youth reclining on sofa with dog
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iStock.com/Umkehrer
Tools and Resources

How to Get Support if You’re a Pregnant or Parenting Teen

Young and pregnant, or already parenting? Learn about the options, programs, and support available for you and your child so you can keep your career plans on track.
Youth having a discussion about a booklet outside
Tools and Resources

How to Get Support if You’re a Youth With a Disability

If you have a disability, your supports change when you turn 18. Learn about the programs and services you can get as an adult.
Tools and Resources

How to Get Support if You’re an Indigenous Youth

As a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit youth, you have access to many supports that will help you succeed as an adult.

Plan Your Career

3 students walking outside on campus

Why Career Planning Can Work for You

Career planning is a lifelong process that can help you manage important life and work decisions. Consider your priorities, options, and strengths to build a plan that gets you where you want to go.
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iStock.com/Mknoxgray

How to Choose a Career That Fits You

What do you want to be when you grow up? Now that you’re an adult or almost one, how do you actually get the answer to that question? This guide will show you how.

Quicklinks

Connections App - transition from government care

Transition to Adulthood Program (TAP) Video (1:11)

CAREERinsite: Online Career Planning Tools
Youth student standing outside campus building

"I’m turning 18 and ready to take the next step in my life. What do I need to know?"

Explore Education and Training

Student and Elder discussing career options looking at paperwork

Youth Reflections: Career Paths

Wondering what type of work you want to do? Watch these videos to get information related to career paths, education, jobs, and the workplace.

Youth holding a stack of books while leaning against a library shelf

Youth Reflections: Hobbies

See how teens are connecting their hobbies to interesting career and learning paths.

The Budget Game

This game from the UK challenges you to manage your money for 3 months. There are bills to pay, food and travel to budget for, plus loads of fun things to spend your money on. Get it right and your happiness will soar, but spend too much and you’ll have a financial headache.
Person holding a smartphone with dollar sign graphics overlaid
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iStock.com/marchmeena29

Budget for Student Life

Figuring out how much your post-secondary education will cost is the first step in planning how to pay for it.
Youth student standing outside campus building

Financial Literacy for Students: Invest in Your Future

Explore these articles, resources, interactive tools, and simulation games to build your financial literacy. With some budgeting basics under your belt, you'll be better equipped to make the most of your education and employment.

youth on climbing wall
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iStock.com/Csaba Toth
Explore Education and Training

Start Now to Build the Skills Employers Want

It’s a skills-based world out there, and many employers are specific about the skills they want. Start building your skills when you’re still in high school—or even in junior high. You’ll soon be able to show employers you’ve got the skills you need for the job.
Student raising hand in classroom
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iStock.com/Drazen Zigic
Explore Education and Training

Success at School: It’s About More Than Marks

To do well at school, you have to know how to conduct yourself as you work with classmates, instructors, and others involved in your learning. When you know what’s expected of you, you’ll do better at school, in your future jobs, and in your every-day life.
Person using technical instruments outside
Tools and Resources

Staying the Course: Learning Beyond High School

You already have dreams and goals. These programs and resources can show you how to stay at school so you can achieve them.

Look for Work

Tools and Resources

Landing Your First Real Job

As a young person, stepping into the world of work is easier if you know what you want and what you need to do. Here’s how to get started.
Person wearing office attire carrying a bag stepping on stones across a river
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iStock.com/magicflute002
Look for Work

Career Paths and Your Lifestyle

When you choose a career, it’s important to consider what you’re good at and enjoy doing. But you should also factor in whether your work will suit your lifestyle and values.
Hands typing on a laptop with the screen showing a resume
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iStock.com/Tero Vesalainen
Look for Work

Which Resumé Type Fits You Best?

A good resumé calls attention to the skills and achievements that best fit the job you’re applying for. A well-written resumé can get you an interview.
Closeup of hands holding a mobile phone and scrolling
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iStock.com/bombuscreative
Look for Work

Take Charge of Your Social Media Identity

Your social media identity tells people a lot about you. But it can also have a big impact on your career and professional reputation, now and in the future.
Young person at laptop fist pumping with pride flag behind
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iStock.com/Pranithan Chorruangsak
Tools and Resources

Job-Smart Strategies for LGBTQ2S+ Youth

As a gender or sexual minority, finding a great job where you feel you’ll succeed can be easier with these tips in mind.

Succeed at Work

Succeed at Work

Get and Keep the Work You Want

A positive attitude will help you find a good job. And it will help you hold on to your work in a competitive market.
Succeed at Work

Develop Your Job Smarts

You may be good at the specific tasks your work requires. But without job smarts, you may not be working for long. Find out how developing and using job smarts will help you succeed at work.
Succeed at Work

If You’re Depressed About Work, There’s Help

If your career is making you feel sad or anxious, you’re not alone. Learn what to do when you face mental health issues on the job.
Succeed at Work

Learn to Communicate Authentically

Good communication skills can help you reach your education, work search, and career goals. But how do you communicate authentically? Find out.
Father and son talking while sitting on couch and drinking coffee.
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iStock.com/shapecharge
Succeed at Work

Build Positive Relationships

Are you doing your part in creating positive relationships in your life? Learn how to deal well with others and make a positive difference in your life and attitude.
Other Resources
Tools and Resources

Programs and Services for Youth

Check out these programs and services for youth.
Succeed at Work

Employment Standards

Find out about minimum wage, hours of work, holidays, vacations, maternity and parental leave, and other employment rights and responsibilities.
Succeed at Work

Occupational Health and Safety for Young Workers

If you are a new and young worker, or an employer, supervisor, parent or educator of new and young workers, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) offers many resources designed specifically for you.
Tools & Resources

Preparing Youth to Build and Thrive in Future Careers

There can be so many unknowns in our futures - whether career-related or just life in general. Adopting a growth mindset and practicing key life skills can help lead you to success.