Job opportunities for new arrivals

04 August 2009

Students at the Adult Migrant English Service (NSW AMES) have been given a unique opportunity for settlement. Today they graduate job ready, with English and vocational qualifications.

Their training included local work experience in industries experiencing skills shortages in Australia. As a result graduates are enjoying strong job prospects. Just 3 weeks after course completion 61% of the students studying Children’s Services have been offered jobs and a further 16% are enrolling in further training. Over 30% of students in both the Aged Care and Retail classes have found employment or further training courses.

Cynthia Unaeze from the Bankstown class studying Certificate III in Spoken and Written English and Certificate III in Aged Care Work says, “When I was settling, it was a bit difficult for me because I did not know where to start. Then I was introduced to AMES, it was a dream come true… This course provided me with the opportunity to work in an Australian nursing setting. It did not only help me educationally but it touched every aspect of my life, it gave me hope and made me believe in myself.”

Courses are free for newly arrived migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants who are eligible for the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

Classes are held at NSW AMES centres in Bankstown, Campsie, Sydney City and Burwood. Contact NSW AMES for further information on 9205 4350, 9784 7940 or www.ames.edu.au.

The AMEP is funded by the Australia Government, through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Linked Skills Programs are also funded by the NSW Department of Education and Training and delivered in partnership with St George & Sutherland Community College and Bankstown Community College.

ENDS.