The Manitoba government is piloting a Canadian program designed to help new immigrants get a strong start when they arrive in the province.

Premier Greg Selinger made the announcement in Beijing Tuesday, where he is on a trade and tourism mission with Lt-Gov. Philip Lee.

The pilot program will offer immigrants from China and the Philippines a "pre-arrival" orientation to help people plan their training and employment before touching down in Manitoba, Selinger said.

'The more informed and prepared immigrants are before they arrive, the more likely they are to achieve their career goals and contribute to Manitoba's economic growth.'—Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger

The service, provided through the provincial nominee program, will include a career plan based on labour-market information and out-of-country job and education qualifications.

Qualified immigrants will also have access to Manitoba's English Online language program that provides facilitated English-language training using Manitoba-specific scenarios.

Students will be able to interact with language teachers based in Manitoba, who will provide one-on-one guidance throughout the student's training.

"Manitoba is dedicated to providing more supports to assist provincial nominees to begin their employment and settlement planning before they arrive in our province," said Selinger.

"The more informed and prepared immigrants are before they arrive, the more likely they are to achieve their career goals and contribute to Manitoba's economic growth."

The $15-million program is being funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

If proven successful, the program will then be adapted for provincial nominees destined for other provincial jurisdictions, federal Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney stated in a news release.

"This pilot demonstrates our aim to meet specific needs of newcomers destined for provinces across the country," he said.

The initiative will begin in November with approximately 40 Manitoba nominees.