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 program operates between the months of September to February.

For more information please call 945-3556.

Application/Placement Process

• 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. However, volunteer placements go on hold between March and August as staff who place volunteers deliver STEP Services during these months. Placements resume in September.
  
• Steps to a successful volunteer placement are:

1. The volunteer completes an application form and attaches his/her resume.

2. A Placement Consultant meets with the volunteer to discuss program information and career aspirations.

3. The volunteer is marketed to appropriate departments.

4. An interview is arranged with the volunteer and prospective supervisor.

5. Volunteer placement is confirmed.

For more information call 945-3556 in Winnipeg or toll free 1-800-282-8069 or drop by 310-800 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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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 placement service is recognized by human resources staff as one of the few options that exists to support and increase employment equity.

Benefits to the Volunteer

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.

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The Jobs

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:

Researcher Tour Guide Library Clerk Computer Operator Laboratory Assistant Outreach Worker

Program Support Assistant Conference Coordinator Trainer Office Assistant Technologist Assistant Editor

Accounting Clerk Writer Client Support Project Worker Media Technician Documentation Clerk

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