New residents who have migrated to the Northern Rivers region are accessing a unique program to learn English, find employment, and transition to their new life.

TAFE NSW delivers the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) which provides free English lessons and childcare to eligible migrants and refugees, to assist with their transition to Australian life.

For Elly (Xiaona) Fu, a Chinese migrant who arrived in Australia in 2016, the program has been life-changing, enabling her to achieve the dream she thought was out of reach — to work full-time and gain a qualification in Australia.

“I’m from a small rural village in China. Back home I worked as a travel consultant, but when I moved to Australia, I wasn’t confident enough to work in the sector as I didn’t know the language and culture well,” said Ms Fu.

“I couldn’t speak fluently or fully understand a conversation. It was isolating and meant I couldn’t participate in the Australian lifestyle. That’s why I chose to enrol in the AMEP at TAFE NSW.”

“My life has changed so much since I started studying in 2021. It helped me build my understanding so much that I am now working in Lismore City Council’s Finance Department and I’m much happier,” said Ms Fu.

While working full time, Elly is also completing a Diploma of Accounting through TAFE Digital. On her decision to continue studying, she said “The AMEP gave me the confidence to face everyday challenges and create a better life for myself in Australia. I want to keep improving and enjoying my life.”

“I’d recommend the AMEP to anyone that was in my position. TAFE NSW teachers are so encouraging and supportive, and my class felt like one big family from around the world,” Ms Fu said.

TAFE NSW Lismore Head Teacher Career Pathways and Employability Skills, Kim Blake, said the AMEP program helps students learn vital skills that most of us take for granted.

“Learning how to open a bank account, access healthcare, find work or further study, reading and writing skills, as well as Australian society and culture knowledge are just some of the everyday skills students learn,” said Ms Blake.

“Elly is the perfect example of how the AMEP is helping people achieve their goals and become active members of society and our local workforce, which not only is a benefit to her, but also the community as a whole.”

The AMEP Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. For more information on the program visit tafensw.edu.au/amep or call 1800 114 707.

Media contact: Lee Tobin | Communications Specialist | lee.tobin5@tafensw.edu.au | 0402 087 839