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Welcome….to one of the fastest growing networks of internationally qualified professionals in Canada.

Did you know that approximately 85 % of vacancies in Canada are filled through networking, without ever being advertised? Question is, ‘How and where to network?’ To know more about how PACPA addresses this issue, read on…

We come across several stories of new professionally qualified immigrants suffering due to lack of proper and timely information about their licensing requirements, job opportunities, and other settlement issues. Upon their arrival in Canada they have to undergo prolonged periods of uncertainty and insecurity about their future and do not have any sense of direction. Lack of support from family, friends, and colleagues makes their transition into this new system even harder.

Immigrant professionals experience a huge gap in their support network, making their integration into Canadian society ever more daunting.

Most of them are otherwise perfectly fit to immediately take up positions in their respective professions. However, due to lack of acceptance and proper networking, long-term survival jobs seem like the only options. These professionals are unable to compete in the Canadian job market because of insufficient language skills, lack of Canadian experience and qualifications, and an ineffective supporting network.

It is not easy for any individual to cope with such difficulties without any meaningful and organized support network. Transitioning to any new system requires constant repositioning, realignment, and readjustment. PACPA believes that this transition process can be made easier through ongoing support, help and guidance. This requires access to a network of professionals who are willing to help their fellow members as and when needed. PACPA realized very early on that waiting for help from outside sources will not solve the problem.

PACPA is working to provide support to these professionals join Canadian mainstream as soon as possible. Over the past few years PACPA has gained wide acceptance and respect of new professional Canadians who have realized its value and want to become a part of it.

Objectives:
Important issues like recognition of qualifications and lack of Canadian experience are the greatest barriers these professionals face while trying to enter their respective professions. PACPA’s main objective is to help promote the professional and social development of its members. PACPA is working to achieve its objectives by following means:

  1. Promoting and facilitating communication among members for free flow of beneficial information.
  2. Providing an environment for effective networking to share information, knowledge, and experience.
  3. Helping and supporting professionals in becoming self-employed.
  4. Lobbying the government to legislate policies for new immigrants beginning new careers in Canada.

PACPA has made considerable progress in this regard so far, and will continue to help its members join Canadian mainstream as soon as possible. Canadian residents having professional qualifications are eligible to become its member. In just under five years PACPA has become one of the largest groups of internationally qualified professionals nation-wide.

Committees:
Several PACPA committees are currently working to serve our members, which include; Job Skills Committee, Website Committees, Seminars Committee, Information Committee, Social Committee and Membership Committee.

Business Network:
Some PACPA members are currently pursuing self-employment and need help in establishing themselves. PACPA Business Network (PBN), which works as a subgroup, tries to help these professionals in promoting their businesses through the exchange of referrals. Besides, PACPA members will have the advantage of availing PBN members’ professional services on discounted rates. PACPA and PBN complement each other to their mutual advantage.

Chapters:
PACPA is currently in the process of establishing chapters in all major Canadian cities in order to provide help and support to members across the country. Each Chapter is headed by a Secretary, responsible for inviting professionals to join PACPA and provide them necessary information. Regular monthly meetings are held to further promote networking among members.

Skill Development Program:
PACPA offers help in the professional development of its members by helping them upgrade their skills through its ‘Skill Development Program’. This program is offered to its members on subsidized rates.

Future Action Plan:
To bring greater value to its members, PACPA management plans to open a head office in the GTA. With a management office, several computer terminals, and a seminar room, the facility will provide an effective job search and career development support to its members. It is planned that gradually similar facilities shall be provided in all major Canadian cities, wherever PACPA chapters exist.

Membership Categories:
For the convenience of its members, PACPA has introduced three membership categories to suit the individual needs of its members. Basic membership is offered free of charge and offers access to all PACPA website resources, subscription to its discussion forum, entry at various PACPA events, and eligibility to participate in various courses offered to its under Skill Development Program.

Classic members have further advantage of buying discounted tickets for various PACPA events, resume preparation/job search help and mentoring program.

Premier Members are provided credit card type membership cards. These cards are accepted by Cooperating Businesses and Business Associates for discounts. Their list is available on PACPA website under respective links for members’ reference. Premier members are eligible for free help in their will preparation. They are also eligible for collecting reward points for member referral, which can help pay for their yearly membership fee. It is estimated that an average family of a Premier member can save approximately $250-$1000 per year, depending on the usage.

PACPA Membership Advantages:

  1. Exchanging of information, knowledge and experiences
  2. Networking opportunities
  3. Job search and resume preparation help 
  4. Leadership and volunteer opportunities
  5. Discounted professional development courses
  6. Social networking events and get-togethers
  7. Business Professionals Network for Self-employed individuals
  8. Discounts from Cooperating Businesses and Business Associates
  9. Reward points for member referral
  10. Transferrable membership among chapters

You can become a Classic or Premier PACPA member by logging in to PACPA website and paying respective membership fee online through safe and secure Paypal system and start enjoying its benefits.

Welcome to the club of one of the fastest growing internationally qualified professionals in Canada.

 
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