All,
I attended the on-line orientation session conducted by CIIP (Canadian Immigrant Integration Program) last week. There were two sessions, initially a GO session which lasts for 7-8 hours and then an individual MAP (My Action Plan) which is one-on-one an hour session with the Canadian orientation officer. In the GO session you will be briefed about the Canadian provinces and highly in-demand industries / trades for each province, you will be guided how to prepare for a job search, make Canadian style Resume & Cover letter, where to find relevant employers / how to link with them, how to find free of cost Mentors / Guides in Canada, develop your skills to meet Canadian market needs and settlement issues in details.
MAP is an one-on-one session in which you will be directly in touch with the Canadian orientation officer who will prepare a comprehensive Action Plan for you based on your intended place of landing in Canada and will not only refer but will link you with the relevant settlement and job agencies of that province / city.
It is highly recommended for all of you to attend and far far better than the IOM session which is more focused on the settlement issues rather than the job search and IOM only PROVIDE the links but actually do not refer / directly LINK you with the Canadian agencies, the CIIP orientation officer will send your details (MAP) to their various partner associations across Canada which will guide you in terms of job search, settlement, skills upgrading etc.
CIIP is funded by Govt. of Canada and is FREE OF COST. Another advantage of CIIP is that you will be eligible for this session after receiving your MEDICAL call, unlike IOM which only conducts session after you receive PPR-1..This can give you more time to get connected with Canadian agencies while after receiving PPR, one is always short of time.
The Link to get registered with CIIP is below, any FSW or PNP is eligible for registration, you will just have to send them the scanned copy of your medical request letter;
http://www.newcomersuccess.ca/index.php/about-ciip/how-to-register-with-ciip?lang=en-GB
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL....
(PS: The remarks on IOM session is based on feedback given by various senior members, like Cock&Bull, after attending the session, I am yet to be eligible since have not received PPR-1)