Focus Area: Labour Relations
Name: Bart Nowak
Year you started your internship: 2006
University/College you graduated from:
1) Queen’s University (MIR)
2) University of Windsor (MBA)
3) Ryerson University (BComm)
OIP Rotations:
1) Ministry of Finance-Oshawa, Labour Relations Analyst

2) Ministry of Government Services-Toronto, Labour Relations Analyst
Current Position: Employee Relations Advisor, Centre for Employee Relations, Ministry of Government Services
Why did you apply to the OIP?
While finishing up my master degree in Industrial Relations at Queen’s University I attended an Ontario internship program internship presentation held at my school which outlined the benefits and structure of the internship program. My law professor adamantly promoted the OIP internship program in her class throughout the year as she felt it gave recent graduates an opportunity to take on meaningful projects and work in the labour relations field. Like most graduating students I had very little to no work experience in my respective field of study. I felt that the OIP was the perfect opportunity to develop my career in labour relations which in my opinion would have taken years to achieve in other organizations.
How would you describe your experience in the OIP?
My experience in the OIP was both exciting and rewarding. As a recent graduate I wanted to gain work experience in my respective field of study and the OIP provided me with that opportunity. Upon commencing the program I was immediately immersed in various projects and day to day labour relations activities. My colleagues were very supportive in my development through mentoring and coaching as well they ensured that I felt part of their team. My mentors were amazing and they helped me gain great new skills and knowledge such as grievance management, negotiations, and consulting skills that I believe would have taken years to acquire in other organizations. The OIP emphasizes and encourages networking which has been a great help for my career development in the Ontario Public Service. I still remain great friends with my 2006 OIP cohort. Through the skills and knowledge that I had gained in the OIP, I was successful in attaining an Employee Relations Advisor position six months into the program.
What are some of the learning and development opportunities you received as an intern?
The OIP provided me with both hands-on and in-class training which has helped me develop new skills and knowledge in the labour relations field. I was able to attend several courses offered by the Centre for Leadership and Learning which included such courses as "Mediation and Conflict Resolution" and "Change Management Principles." On a quarterly basis, I religiously attended the MGS Legal Practice seminars which provide the human resources community in the OPS with an update on current case law jurisprudence on interesting topics such as "Workplace Investigations" and "Attendance Management." Overall the most valuable learning opportunities within the OIP came from assisting employee relations advisor’s in the preparation and participation in the grievance management process which included attendance at the Grievance Settlement Board for grievance mediations and arbitrations.
Please describe your current position in the OPS.
I am currently employed as an employee relations advisor at the Centre for Employee Relations, HR Ontario, Ministry of Government Services. My current client group is the Financial Services Commission of Ontario where I consistently provide assistance and advice to human resources staff and management on how to interpret and apply various collective agreements, human resources policies/directives, and legislative statutes. I am heavily involved in the management of grievances/disputes which includes representing the employer at mediation and arbitration hearings. My role as an employee relations advisor also focuses on building positive labour relations through the participation in numerous employee relations committees at the local and ministry level.
How has the OIP contributed to the success of your career with the Ontario Public Service?
The internship program has given me the opportunity to work in various ministries and expand my networks. Being able to see the labour relations environment and issues from multiple ministry perspectives provides a unique opportunity to develop a better understanding of the labour relations environment of the OPS as a whole. Through hands on training, I have been able to gain a great deal of experience which has proved invaluable to my career within the Ontario Public Service. Such hands on experience involved participation in Management meetings, Mediations, and Arbitrations. The overall success of an intern in the OIP program in my opinion is dependent on the Interns’ willingness to take on new tasks and projects no matter how big or how small and their eagerness to participate/immerse themselves in the day to day activities whether directly or through job shadowing. The OIP provided me with the opportunities to prove myself and take an active role in my career not only through job shadowing but through direct participation.
What is the single best piece of advice you could give someone who is thinking about applying to the OIP?
I would set some time aside to go over the application and complete a draft of the application on word processing software. By creating a draft you can review your answers to ensure they represent your complete thoughts and most importantly a draft will help you eliminate any grammatical and or spelling mistakes. When applying to the OIP for the Labour Relations stream, make sure you have a true interest in the field and express those interests through your answers/responses on the application. The OIP is an amazing opportunity to fast track your career in labour relations and I would definitely recommend applying. Good luck!
Focus Area: Labour Relations
Name: Jay Naik
Year you started your internship: 2006
University/College you graduated from: York University
OIP Rotations:
1) Ministry of Education, Provincial Schools Branch, Labour Relations Analyst

2) Ministry of the Environment, Human Resources Branch, Labour Relations Advisor
Current Position: Ministry of the Environment, Human Resources Branch, Labour Relations Advisor
Why did you apply to the OIP?
Like many post secondary graduates in a similar position, I wanted to make sure that after graduation I would be able to find employment related to my field of study. After hearing about the OIP at a university career fair, I felt that it was the perfect opportunity to merge the theoretical knowledge gained from my formal education in Labour Relations with some practical work experience. I looked at the OIP as being the most opportune place to begin this journey.
How would you describe your experience in the OIP?
My experience with the OIP was nothing but fantastic. From the fulfilling Ministry placements, enthusiastic and supportive managers and mentors to the numerous learning and developmental opportunities, the program truly surpassed my expectations. At the end of my second rotation, I was offered a contract with my Ministry.
What are some of the learning and development opportunities you received as an intern?
One of the most wonderful aspects of the internship program is its heavy emphasis on learning and development. As an intern I had access to the courses offered by the OPS Labour Relations community covering topics such as Labour Relations in the OPS, Jurisdictional Disputes, etc. I was also able to take advantage of courses offered through the OPS Centre for Leadership and Learning. These courses covered topics such as Understanding Government, Negotiation and Mediation, Customer Service, etc. Finally I took advantage of the courses offered in the ministries within which I was placed and at the Continuing Legal Education Seminars (on various Labour Relations issues) held quarterly by the Legal Services Branch.
Please describe your current position in the OPS.
As a Labour Relations Advisor for the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), I am responsible for promoting and facilitating a positive labour relations environment within the MOE. I provide employee / labour relations services to management and human resources staff on a broad range of situations and issues as they relate to collective agreements, employment related legislation, employer policies, directives and practices. I also represent the employer at conciliations, mediations, and arbitrations and work with managers, employees and union representatives on grievance administration. I always find that each day presents a different challenge, which makes the job even more interesting and rewarding.
How has the OIP contributed to the success of your career with the Ontario Public Service?
The OIP provided me with the knowledge, skills and experience required to be successful in my career. One of the most valuable things I gained from the program is the network I built. I still keep in touch with all of the interns from my year and we make it a point to meet socially at least once a year. Aside from the interns, I have had the opportunity to meet many inspirational people from directors to deputy ministers. I make it a point to stay in touch with all of these wonderful people, as there is so much one can learn from them.
What is the single best piece of advice you could give someone who is thinking about applying to the OIP?
The internship is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You will not regret applying to it. When applying for the program, it is important to use all of your experiences in the application form in order to illustrate your skills and abilities. Staying positive and letting your personality come out when applying really helps as well. I wish everyone that is applying the best of luck.