Manitoba's Top Employers

16 MANITOBA GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES KNOW THEY MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THEY SERVE THE PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES OF MANITOBA IN AREAS RANGING FROM REGULATION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT TO AGRICULTURE, HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE AND HEALTHCARE. As an employer, the Manitoba government recognizes the importance of career-long employee development. They offer internship and student positions that guide new employees in their early work experiences, and mid-career and executive development programs, to ensure managers have the skills for effective leadership. Many of the organization's senior-level managers first came to the Manitoba government through internship and student programs, and they've benefited from a supportive learning environment throughout their careers. Roy Jabar's 30-year career is just one example of the paths possible in the Manitoba government. He joined the organization in the 1980s and worked in entry-level clerical positions in storage and mail rooms. Roy pursued accounting studies on evenings and weekends and proved his abilities along the way. He moved into positions of increasing responsibility, which continued after he completed his accounting designation. He eventually earned promotions to management roles and to his current position as the Director of Taxation Audit for the Department of Finance. "I realized early on that this was a place where advancement was not only possible but encouraged by a supportive management team," said Jabar. "We are in an environment where having the right qualifications, being conscientious and demonstrating good work ethic are recognized and rewarded." Ksenia Putko, a former intern who now works as a policy analyst, recalls the challenge she faced after completing a masters degree. "Employers wanted to hire people with at least one or two years of work experience, which I did not have, after years of being a full-time student. I found the Manitoba Internship Program (MIP) online and it appealed to me. The program allowed me to apply the skills I gained through my masters degree to the real world." Michelle Gaudry, who now works as a livestock business development specialist for Aboriginal communities, recalls that her experience with the internship program was a good one. "The cultural education and development training I received has been extremely valuable. I am grateful every day to work with producers that contribute to the economic development of our communities." Brad McCamis recently joined the Manitoba government through a work experience program for high school graduates. "I've always been interested in mechanical work," said McCamis. "With the support of managers and staff, I gained skills in inventory control, supply management and forklift certification in the warehouse environment. This workgroup helped me learn skills that led to a position with the light equipment division of the government's Vehicle and Equipment Management Agency." Development programs are also in place for training and guidance at later stages of employees' careers, including the Financial Internship Program, the Diversity Employee Development Program, the Enterprise Talent Management Program and a number of mentorship programs in particular departments. Many of these initiatives involve Organization and Staff Development, the government's in-house professional development unit. The unit delivers workshops for thousands of employees each year on topics ranging from communication, to management skills to awareness of culture and health matters. They also oversee the government's Learning Policy and co- ordinate departmental learning champions, who encourage employees to regularly discuss professional development with their managers and identify goals in a learning plan. Incorporating formal education goals, informal learning experiences or a blend of both, learning plans help employees stay on top of industry developments and improve in their current role, or chart a course to move into another area of interest in the organization. Several active employee networks offer government employees a variety of opportunities for informal learning and exchange. Through noon-hour learning events, after-hours networking activities and conferences, networks give employees an opportunity to connect with colleagues across departments, which supports an overall learning organizational culture. MANITOBA GOVERNMENT Manitoba government offers career-long opportunities for growth The Organization & Staff Development unit and learning champions across government support career-long growth opportunities for Manitoba government employees. Your search is over. The Manitoba government offers you opportunity, diversity and a rewarding career. We're looking for talented individuals to contribute their energy, passion, skill and dedication to serving Manitoba in over a hundred interesting careers. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, and an environment that encourages continuous learning and career growth. Join us now! Click on the Jobs button at manitoba.ca. MANITOBA'S TOP EMPLOYERS

• Cover