English programs for migrants 005-01050040

SPP is an English language tuition program specifically tailored to suit eligible humanitarian entrants who may have difficulty adapting to the more formal environment offered by the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). The SPP is part of AMEP, funded by the Department of Home Affairs. The SPP tuition is given by qualified teachers experienced in dealing with the special needs of humanitarian entrants.

SPP is offered to eligible humanitarian entrants who hold permanent visas, and who have been assessed by an AMEP Service Provider as having special needs.

Up to 100 hours of English language tuition may be provided to humanitarian entrants 18 years and older, who have had difficult pre-migration experiences, for example, torture and trauma.

Up to 400 hours of English language tuition may be provided to humanitarian entrants aged between 16 and 24 years who have low levels of schooling, that is between zero and seven years of formal schooling.

Access to the 400 hours of English language tuition for eligible clients between the ages of 16 and 18 years will be subject to confirmation that they are unable to be placed in an appropriate school program.

Services Australia cannot assess customers for the SPP. This assessment is made by the AMEP provider. If a customer is participating is SPP leading to AMEP, then they are able to be granted up to an additional 13 weeks exemption.

TAFE Digital is part of TAFE New South Wales (NSW) and is the largest online education provider in Australia. TAFE Digital offers industry relevant and nationally recognised qualifications and short courses.

TAFE Digital provides services and targeted courses to all non-English speaking background people, including members of new and emerging communities nationally.

These include:

• English language courses designed to cater for a range of ability levels of non-English speaking background people
• Special programs which are offered free of charge to unemployed non-English speaking background people who are permanent residents
• Assessment of English language skills
• Advice about obtaining recognition for overseas qualifications, training and work experience that relates to the TAFE Digital course being studied

The English language courses vary and can include:

• AMEP
• Skills for Education and Employment (SEE)
• Skilled Professional Migrant Program (SPMP)
• Skilled Designated Area Sponsored Scheme
• General English
• English for academic purposes

There are also courses run at local community level by religious groups, Churches and community centres. These courses are generally open to anyone and often cover all levels of English proficiency from beginners to advanced. The types of courses and availability also vary between areas.

These types of courses are usually privately funded.