An English program at TAFE NSW has created a world of possibilities for one Westmead local who settled in Australia with minimal English language skills and has now gone on to study for a career in business administration.  

The Adult English Migrant Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government and provides up to 510 hours of free English lessons and childcare to newly-arrived eligible migrants, and refugees. Students also learn about Australian society, culture, customs as well as speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for further study.  

When Kulvinder Kaur came to Australia from India last year, she found it hard to engage with the community with minimal language skills. When her friend recommended the AMEP at TAFE NSW Granville, she jumped at the opportunity.   

After completing the program, Kulvinder has now enrolled in a Certificate IV in Business Administration at TAFE NSW Blacktown and said she is excited about her new career prospects.  

“The AMEP equipped me with strong foundational skills that gave me the confidence to pursue further study," Kulvinder said. 

“Because our classes were all online during COVID-19, I was also able to brush up on my computer skills and the support received from my TAFE NSW teachers played a crucial part in helping me succeed .”  

Kulvinder is hoping to apply for local receptionist roles when she completes her TAFE NSW course.   

“I would recommend the TAFE NSW AMEP classes because the teachers are very supportive and help students a lot,” Kulvinder said.  

Western Sydney attracts a high proportion of Australia’s migrants with Parramatta welcoming almost 20,000 more Indian-born residents between 2001 and 2016.1  

TAFE NSW AMEP Pathway Guidance Officer, Samira Ghabar, said the AMEP helps students learn vital skills that most of us take for granted.  

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

To enquire about the TAFE NSW Adult Migrant English Program visit tafensw.edu.au/amep or call 1800 114 707. 

Media contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.