TAFE NSW will be able to help migrants, and humanitarian entrants build their English skills further, thanks to recent changes to the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) eligibility.

AMEP is an Australian Government funded program which provides eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants with access to English classes and childcare for children under school age. 

Changes to the program mean that migrants, who arrive on or before 1 October, can now access the classes for a longer period from the time of their arrival in Australia and continue to study until they reach higher levels of English proficiency.

TAFE NSW AMEP Contract Manager Mandy Nour said that this will mean greater opportunities for migrants and refugees.

"English language skills make an enormous difference for our migrants and refugees and their participation in Australia," Ms Nour said.

"They will be much better equipped to succeed in further study or employment, thanks to the expanded eligibility for the program." 

TAFE NSW offers AMEP classes in around 50 campuses in metropolitan and regional NSW as well as through online learning.

Huriye Ozatca, 49, and her family migrated to Australia from Turkey in early 2020. She enrolled in Certificate III in Spoken and Written English at TAFE NSW Blacktown through AMEP.

With experience as an English teacher, Ms Ozatca says that while her grammar was good, she didn't have much opportunity to practice communicating in English.

"The teachers at TAFE NSW were like experienced guides for my future. They answered all my questions about my new life in Australia, making me feel much more confident and relaxed," said Ms Ozatca.

"I would encourage anyone new to Australia to enrol in AMEP at TAFE NSW. The program is the first step in adapting to Australian life and will help you feel supported and not alone."

To find out more about the Adult Migrant English Program at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 1800 114 707

Media contact: Kelly Lawler, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 0408 481 864. ​​