AMEP volunteer tutor program

What is the AMEP volunteer tutor program?

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is and Australian Government initiative that is available to eligible migrants and refugees wanting to learn foundation English language and settlement skills. AMEP provides the skills to participate socially and economically within Australian society.

The AMEP Volunteer Tutor Program is a sub-program of the AMEP. It offers informal language tuition for migrants and refugees by trained volunteers on a one-to-one basis, outside the classroom environment, and either online or face-to-face.

For more information, please continue reading below, or you can call 02 7920 6769 or email us on amephts@tafensw.edu.au.

Why become an AMEP volunteer tutor?

People volunteer:

• as a great opportunity to get to know other cultures while helping students settle into their new life in Australia.
• as a chance to give something back to the community or to make a difference to the people in their community.
• as an opportunity to develop new skills or enhance existing knowledge and experience.

AMEP volunteer tutors are welcome to spend as much time with their student as they feel they need. However, when you join the program, you are expected to make a six-month commitment to meet with your student for at least one hour per week.

AMEP Volunteer Tutor Program sessions are negotiated between the tutor and the student—with the flexibility to reschedule sessions when needed.

What experience do I need?

As an AMEP volunteer tutor, you'll receive comprehensive training, as no previous teaching experience is required.

You’ll also receive:

• free training via a course in volunteer English language tutoring, which includes tasks to develop cross-cultural awareness and to assist students with their settlement needs
• skills training for one-on-one tutoring
• ongoing support from the AMEP Volunteer Tutor Program coordinator
• a monthly newsletter
• job satisfaction
• an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.

What support resources are available for volunteers?

We value our AMEP volunteer tutors' contributions and provide ongoing support, with regular access to online volunteer tutor workshops, delivered by TAFE NSW teachers.

Our program coordinator will support you with regular communication and training updates. You'll be encouraged to communicate with AMEP teachers if your student is receiving tuition through in-person classes or by distance learning.

Online resources

Volunteer tutors and students can access online resources, such as Living in Australia, and World Wide English which has an application particularly useful for volunteer tutor sessions.

There are also free resources available on the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) page on the Department of Home Affairs website.

You can also join our private, volunteer tutor Facebook group for ongoing information and to engage with other volunteer tutors, sharing tips and volunteering experiences in the AMEP.

Becoming a volunteer tutor involves five stages:

1. Preparation—Gathering the documentation for your application.
2. Application—Completing your application and uploading documentation via Better Impact (our volunteer management system).
3. Interview—Once your application and documentation have been processed, we'll arrange a 15-minute phone interview at a time that suits you.
4. Training—You’ll complete a 15-hour online tutor training program, that is self-paced to suit your needs.
5. Matching—We’ll start working on matching you to a student in your local area.

Your application

Please ensure that you have all of the following documentation ready before you start your application. This will ensure a quicker transition to commence volunteer tutoring.

1. Working with Children Check document (WWCC), including the registration number and expiry date.
2. Photo of you holding your photo ID, either a driver’s license or passport. How to hold your photo ID.
3. Proof of identification requires: 

1. One commencement document, for example an Australian passport or birth certificate.
2. One primary document, such as an Australian driver’s license, proof of age card or marriage certificate, etc.
3. Two secondary documents, such as a Medicare card, utility bill or bank statement, etc.

For more examples of required documents see the identity document list. Note that copies of proof of identification documents are not kept by TAFE NSW and will be destroyed afterwards. 

Start your application today—we look forward to working with you and welcoming you to our team!

Please contact the AMEP Volunteer Tutor Program on 02 7920 6769 or email us on amephts@tafensw.edu.au

Find related AMEP pages for the Pathways to Employment Program and Distance Learning.