New residents who have migrated to the Central West and Blue Mountains regions from Cambodia, India and China are accessing a unique program to learn English, find employment and adapt to their new lifestyle.

TAFE NSW delivers the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) to migrants to assist with their transition to Australian life. The AMEP provides up to 510 hours of free English lessons and childcare to newly arrived eligible migrants and refugees.

Bon Nging is one of more than 200,000 new Australians who have migrated to Australia since 2016, and one of the many thousands that have benefited from the AMEP at TAFE NSW.i

“I made the move from Cambodia to Australia to join my family who were already living in the Blue Mountains. I really needed to improve my reading, writing and spelling in order to communicate with Australian people better. That’s why I chose to enrol in the AMEP at TAFE NSW Lithgow,” Mr Nging said.

“TAFE NSW teachers are so encouraging and supportive. The AMEP gave me the confidence to face everyday challenges and create a better life for my family in Australia.”

After improving his English language skills at TAFE NSW, Mr Nging has set up a removalist business in Katoomba where he works locally and interstate.

“I’d really recommend the AMEP to others in my position as my TAFE NSW class felt like one big family. Everyone supported each other, enjoyed every lesson and have made great friendships,” Mr Nging said.

“I’m really happy with my new life in Australia. I wouldn’t have been able to successfully run my own business and communicate with clients on a daily basis if I didn’t study at TAFE NSW.”

TAFE NSW Lithgow English for Speakers of Other Languages Teacher, Nicola Connon, 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 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.

“Bon is the perfect example of how the AMEP is helping to change the lives of many people by providing students with access to the skills to be job-ready.

The AMEP Program is funded by the Australian Government.

To enquire about enrolling in English language, literacy and numeracy courses or the AMEP at TAFE NSW, phone 1800 114 707 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au/amep

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515.