Veterinary Student Employment Program (VetSTEP)
Manitoba Agriculture values the practical experience that veterinary students gain during a summer work term with a rural practice. To encourage this work experience, clinics and businesses can apply for a VetSTEP grant to hire a veterinary student in the summer of 2024.
Program Documents and Forms
VetSTEP Grant Assistance Available
The grant assistance available is based on the most recent year of study completed by the student at an accredited veterinary college:
- First year student - $6,500
- Second or Third year student - $5,000
To receive the full grant, the applicant must employ the student for 471.25 hours or more during the summer. If the student is paid fewer hours, the grant payment will be prorated based on the hours worked.
Who Can Apply for a VetSTEP Grant?
Veterinary practices and practitioners licensed to operate an active, large or mixed animal practice located in rural Manitoba are eligible to participate in the program. Clinics and practitioners specializing in small animal medicine are not eligible.
Businesses and non-profit organizations operating a livestock operation in rural Manitoba are eligible if they employ or have a service contract with a veterinarian licensed to practice large or mixed animal medicine in Manitoba. The veterinarian must directly supervise the student.
Connecting Students and Employers
Veterinary clinics and practitioners interested in hiring a student can place an online job posting on the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association's Student Practice Opportunities web page.
Summer job opportunities can also be posted on Summer employment for veterinary students - Western College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Saskatchewan (usask.ca).
Manitoba Agriculture does not place students in veterinary clinics or practices. It is up to students and veterinarians to make arrangements for the summer work term. The department does not determine wages paid.
Application Process and Deadline
Interested employers must submit a scan of their Application Form by January 26, 2024 to:
Email: VSD@gov.mb.ca
Both the student and employer must sign the application form.
Application Review
If applications exceed the available funding, positions will be filled considering the following criteria:
- Home province and year of study of student being hired
- Type of large animal services provided and number of students requested by the employer
- Date of application
In 2023, the program funded summer work terms for 21 veterinary students.
Employers will normally be informed by mid-March if their grant application has been approved. They will be emailed a funding decision letter to be signed and returned to VSD@gov.mb.ca
How to Submit Claim Statement
a) Prior to submitting the claim:
Employers must provide a copy of the employee's Record of Employment to the student and have them complete the Student Record of Employment Declaration form.
b) Submission of the claim:
When the summer work term is completed, the employer submits three documents:
- Claim Statement signed by the employer
- Copy of the students Record of Employment(ROE) for the summer work term
- ROE Declaration Form signed by the student
Email scans of these documents to VSD@gov.mb.ca. Paper copies are not required.
For More Information
Contact VetSTEP by emailing VSD@gov.mb.ca or calling Sherry Grandmont (204-729-1387) or Teresa Ziegler (431-271-0161).
