Adult Migrant English program ( AMEP )
What is the Adult Migrant English program ( AMEP )?
The AMEP is a program which provides up to 510 hours of basic English as a Second Language (ESL) tuition to migrants and refugees from non-English speaking backgrounds.
The program is provided by the Commonwealth Government through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to help newly-arrived migrants and refugees settle successfully in Australia.
How is the program delivered?
AMEP tuition is delivered in each state and territory by service providers who are specialists in ESL teaching. To ensure access to the AMEP, clients may choose from a range of learning options:
- full or part-time classroom tuition, in formal or community-based settings designed to meet diverse needs, educational backgrounds and learning abilities
- distance learning through the It's Over to You course, comprising a package of sequenced texts, audio and video tapes, backed by regular telephone contact with a qualified teacher
- the Home Tutor Scheme, providing language assistance by a trained volunteer, usually on a one-to-one basis in a client's home
Distance learning and the Home Tutor Scheme are available to clients who cannot attend formal classes because of class location or timing, or for personal, cultural, work-related or other reasons.
What does the AMEP teach clients?
AMEP tuition aims to help clients learn basic English skills needed to settle satisfactorily in Australia.
Tuition is based on the Certificates in Spoken and Written English, a competency-based currriculum framework specially developed for the AMEP to meet the needs of newly-arrived migrants.
As well as building English skills, AMEP courses provide information on the Australian way of life and advice on accessing essential services.
Trained counsellors are available to AMEP students throughout their enrolment in the program. They help with the identification of learning needs and goals, options for further study, and Government-funded employment assistance programs which may be available to clients when the exit the AMEP.
Short programs and Services Offered
Basic Computer Skills for Migrants
This intensive program will help develop basic computer literacy by learing how to safely operate a computer, create simple documents and send email. Literacy support will be provided. This course is suitable for migrants with no previous computer experience.
Outcome: Statement of Attainment. Selected units from Preparation for Work and Study
Courses start: To be advised
To register: come in person the the Reception Area at 26 Bathurst Street, Hobart after 9am on Monday, 12 May 2008. You must attend all sessions.
Eligibility:
- No course fees for eligible migrants (must have permanent residence) over 16 years.
- You must come in person to register. Numbers are limited.
Special Preparatory Program
This program is an English Language tuition program specifically tailored to suit eligible humanitarian entrants who may have difficulty adapting to the more formal environment offered by the Adult Migrant English program. Tuition is given by qualified teachers experienced in dealing with the special needs of humanitarian entrants.
Eligibility: Eligible humanitarian entrants before they commence AMEP classes, who hold permanent visas, and are assessed by an AMEP Service Provider as having special needs.
Volunteer Tutor Training - Training to help migrants learn English
Tasmania’s migrants need you to volunteer to help them improve their English. No teaching experience is necessary – only an interest in people and a desire to help. A reasonable standard of spoken and written English is required.
An accredited training program is offered to help volunteers understand the needs of recently arrived migrants and to support them in learning English.
This course is not an accredited course and is offered with the expectation of tutoring one of our students for approx. 1 hour per week after the course, as a supplement to our day classes, at a time/place negotiated between the tutor and the student. The arrangement is very informal and flexible.
Our students English levels range from 'none whatsoever' (often illiterate in their own languages) through to university entrance level. We will not assign a volunteer a lower level student than they are comfortable in dealing with.
The course runs for 15 hours of 5 x 3 hour sessions.
A National Police Check (or similar - such as a Certificate of Registration with the Tasmanian Teachers Board etc.) is required.
This Police Check normally costs approximately $50, but as this program is an approved volunteer program, the fee is reduced to $5 with the signature of a representative of our department.
Forms are available from any police station.
Where:
 16 Wellington Street, Launceston
Valley Road, Devonport
Mooreville Road, Burnie
English For Migrants - Evening Short Courses
These courses have been specially designed to offer migrant residents the opportunity to futher their skills in spoken and written english. The units available are dependant on the needs of the community. The training is structred to provide the participant with a nationally accredited Statement of Attainment in an environment of cultural understanding. From the Certificates of Spoken and Written English.
Focus on Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing Skills for Migrants
Where: Hobart City Campus, 75 Campbell Street
When: (Mondays & Wednesdays 6pm - 8:30pm)
- Monday, 20 October - Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Improve your English Communication Skills for Migrants (Thursday Classes)
English Pronunciation and Speech
Where: Hobart City Campus, 75 Campbell Street
When: (Thursday 5:30pm - 8pm)
- Thursday, 17 July - Thursday, 4 September 2008
English For Migrants - Morning Short Courses
These courses have been specially designed to offer migrant residents the opportunity to futher their skills in spoken and written english. The units available are dependant on the needs of the community. The training is structred to provide the participant with a nationally accredited Statement of Attainment in a supportive and interactive environment.
Improve your English Communication Skills for Migrants (Thursday Classes)
English Pronunciation and Speech
Where: Hobart City Campus, 75 Campbell Street
When: (Thursdays 9:30am - 12:30pm)
- Thursday, 17 July - Thursday, 4 September 2008
Outcome: Students will be enrolled in units from the "Certificates in Spoken and Written English" at the appropriate level.
No fees for eligible migrants. Some course fees may apply to others. Please contact Languages-AMEP for information and interview, Casey.Thorp@tafe.tas.edu.au or (03) 6233 7119.
Specific topics for future blocks will be advertised here or contact Languages - AMEP for more information.
Intensive Support
This program is an English Language tuition program specifically tailored to suit eligible humanitarian entrants who may have difficulty adapting to the more formal environment offered by the Adult Migrant English program. Tuition is given by qualified teachers experienced in dealing with the special needs of humanitarian entrants.
Eligibility: Eligible humanitarian entrants before they commence AMEP classes, who hold permanent visas, and are assessed by an AMEP Service Provider as having special needs.
Contact Languages - AMEP, Casey.Thorp@tafe.tas.edu.au or (03) 6233 7119, to check your eligibility and for more information.
HomeTutor Scheme
A tutor meets you usually once a week for one to two hours to help you learn English. These meetings are arranged at times to suit you both. They are generally held in your home.
What you learn depends on you and your needs. Your tutor can help you with: speaking to people, listening skills, reading and writing. Initially a tutor helps you for 6 months. Depending on your need for English, and if a tutor is available, you could be offered more time.
Eligibility: Migrants and refugees, who are eligible for tuition under the Adult Migrant English program, can ask for a tutor if they are unable to attend classes.
Home Tutor Enhancement Program
The purpose of the Home Tutor Enhancement program is to provide the support
of the AMEP (Adult Migrant English program), through the Home Tutor Scheme, to
community agencies who are providing informal ESL assistance to people who are
not AMEP eligible. This may be because they have been living in Australia for a long time or because they have used up their entitlement.
We will train your volunteers and assist with curriculum planning. Your volunteers will have access to teaching resources such as audio, print and online.
To find out more about these options, contact the program Area.
Rural and Regional Intensive Program
The Rural and Regional Intensive program is an English language tuition program
specifically tailored to suit eligible students who have low level English
proficiency and who may have difficulty accessing classes on campus offered by
the Adult Migrant English program. Tuition is given by qualified teachers experienced in dealing with the special needs of entrants.
Not available within the Hobart region.
Distance Learning
"It's Over to You" is a course for learning English at home.
The emphasis is more on using language than on learning grammar. Exercises and activities include lisitening to the radio, reading newspapers and advertisements, talking about yourself, asking for information, filling in forms and writing letters.
Document Translation
For new arrivals wishing to have key settlement documents translated, they can be lodged with the Languages team. Translation is done by the Translator and Interpreter Service (TIS) and takes approximately 20 working days.
Cost: Free within first 2 years of arrival
Volunteer as a Workplace Mentor!
Make a Positive Difference to a Migrant or Refugee’s Life…Volunteer as a Workplace Mentor!
Volunteer mentors are needed to help adult migrants and refugees learn about working in Australia, and become familiar with Australian workplace culture and practices.
We are seeking people who are currently in the workforce, can speak and write English at a reasonable level, and have time to pass on work expertise and knowledge. We will provide mentors with initial training and ongoing support.
For more information please call Gayle on:
Ph:
(03) 6233 7119 or email Gayle.Viney@tafe.tas.edu.au
The Workplace Mentor Scheme is a Settlement Grants Program, funded by the Australian Government - Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
Citizenship Support Program
Do you want to become an Australian Citizen?
Do you understand the citizenship test?
TAFE will be presenting a program to provide information about the citizenship test.
This program will be offered in Devonport or Burnie depending on numbers.
Possible dates are 19 or 26 November 2008.
Topics include:
- What type of information will be in the test
- How to make an appointment to do the test
- Where the testing is done in Launceston
- What the test conditions will be like
For more information call 1300 655 307 and ask about our Citizenship Support Program.
Contact Details
For more information on these programs, please contact the Adult Migrant English Service (AMES):
Or call TAFE Tasmania General Enquiries: 1300 655 307
Last Updated
Thursday, 13 November 2008 (M)
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