Manitoba Civil Service Commission
Volunteers In Public Service (VIPS)
Application/Placement Process | Benefits to Government Departments | Benefits to the Volunteer | The Jobs
When entering the job market you need experience to get the job, but you need a job to get experience. Dealing with this cycle can be difficult. Volunteer experience is as valuable as job experience and a viable addition to your resume.
Volunteers in Public Service (VIPS) places individuals in career-related positions within provincial government departments and agencies. It is a unique volunteer program because it focuses on the career-related value of volunteering. Staff negotiate with departments throughout government to develop appropriate short-term projects based on the volunteer's career-related interests, skills and abilities. Volunteer positions average 15 hours a week for a period of 12 weeks. The VIPS program operates between the months of September to February. For members of the visible minority or immigrant communities, the Manitoba Civil Service Commission works to facilitate placements on a year-round basis.
For more information please contact:
Volunteers in Public Service
MB Education
310 - 800 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3G 0N4
Telephone: 945-3556
If you are a member of a visible minority or immigrant community please contact:
MB Civil Service Commission
935-155 Carlton Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3H8
Telephone: 945-2332
Application/Placement Process: (Download application for Volunteers in Public Service Program - pdf)
- Any individual can apply especially if you are:
- a student
- young and inexperienced
- unemployed
- re-entering the workforce
- looking for a career change
- needing to fulfill a school requirement
- Any government department which has a need to carry out special projects, test new ideas, supplement the work of staff or increase their outreach in the community can apply.
- Applications are accepted on a year-round basis. Volunteers who are members of the visible minority or immigrant communities are placed year round through the Manitoba Civil Service Commission's Visible Minority and Immigrant program. Other volunteer placements go on hold between March and August as staff who place volunteers deliver STEP Services during these months. These placements resume in September.
- Steps to a successful volunteer placement are:
- The volunteer completes an application form and attaches his/her resume.
- A Placement Consultant meets with the volunteer to discuss program information and career aspirations.
- The volunteer is marketed to appropriate departments.
- An interview is arranged with the volunteer and prospective supervisor.
- Volunteer placement is confirmed.
Benefits to Government Departments
- VIPS staff link you with volunteers who are enthusiastic and eager to demonstrate their abilities. The staff will recruit and screen volunteers to meet the requirements saving you time and effort.
- All kinds of people volunteer - university graduates, students, unemployed individuals, people re-entering the workforce, and those looking for a career change.
- Volunteers have specialized skills and training such as legal research, engineering, accounting, marketing and computer programming.
- Skilled volunteers require minimal supervision.
- Volunteer placements are recognized by human resources staff as one of the options that exists to support and increase diversity and employment equity.
You can …
- gain practical work experience
- develop or sharpen your marketable skills
- explore possible career choices
- make important job contacts
- experience success and accomplishment
You will receive …
- a personal interview
- orientation, on-the-job training, and supervision
- an opportunity for performance feedback
- a letter of reference
- recognition for your efforts
The program also offers assistance with resume writing, interviewing and job search techniques.
VIPS has placed hundreds of volunteers since 1985 in virtually every
government department. The possibilities are almost endless. You might
consider being involved or involving a volunteer as a:
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