Our Education Programs
commUnity+ is committed to providing opportunities for the community members to access quality community adult education programs. We have a particular focus on providing services in the western suburbs, to clients facing disadvantage and social exclusion, and those in communities new to Australia.
commUnity+ is a Registered Training Organisation (TOID #3755).
We believe in the power of adult learning in building the capability of our community, while improving their social, emotional and economic wellbeing. On an individual level, adult education can significantly transform the prospects of students and give them the confidence to participate fully in their community.
The Adult Migrant English Program
The Adult Migrant English Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. The program is a complimentary service for migrants and refugees to improve English language skills and to settle in Australia. As a student, you will learn English to help you to participate in the community and learn employment skills.
commUnity+ delivers the Adult Migrant English Program in partnership with Learning for Employment, a consortium of seven (7) community education providers.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria has recently changed and you can:
- Access unlimited hours of English classes until you reach an employment or vocational level.
- Apply to enrol even if you were enrolled in the Adult Migrant English Program before and have been living in Australia for many years.
- Keep studying even if you have completed five hundred and ten (510) hours, the previous cap, until you reach vocational English level.
Learning options
The Adult Migrant English Program offers a range of learning options to students including:
- Face-to-face and online classes, plus a volunteer tutor for extra support.
- Free childcare services are provided if you are studying face-to-face.
- Full time and part-time classes during the daytime or evening.
Settlement Language Pathways to Employment or Training
Settlement Language Pathways to Employment or Training is a free two hundred (200) hours course which includes two (2) weeks of work placement to:
- Develop knowledge and skills of the Australian employment environment.
- Improve English Language skills for employment.
- Prepare and participate in employment interviews.
- Write cover letters and resumes.
Eligibility criteria
To join the Settlement Language Pathways to Employment or Training class you need to be enrolled in the Pre-employment English stream and attended class in the last twelve (12) months plus:
- A desire to be employed and to accept a employment should it be offered at the end of the course.
- Be motivated to attend classes four (4) days a week.
- Have confident communication skills to participate in a placement.
- Show progression in understanding English.
Volunteer Tutor Scheme
The Volunteer Tutor Scheme provides one to one English tutoring:
- For recently arrived migrants and refugees.
- For students who work or care for others.
- For those students who cannot attend class.
The Volunteers spend one (1) to two (2) hours per week with their student in their home or at a local community centre or library.
Distance Learning offers you:
- flexibility to study one-on-one with an AMEP teacher, at a time that suits you
- a personalised English learning program
- opportunities to meet other AMEP students in virtual classrooms.
Further information
- Adult Migrant English Program brochure.
- Department of Home Affairs program overview.
- Eligibility criteria.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the Learning for Employment consortium for further information.
Recent changes
On Friday 28 August 2020, the Australian Government announced major reforms to the AMEP. The reforms are supported by the Immigration (Education) Act 1971, which has been updated to include the recent legislative changes. The Act:
- Removes the current five hundred and ten (510) hour limit on free English tuition.
- Extends eligibility from functional English to vocational English; and.
- Removes the time limits for enrolling, commencing, and completing English tuition for eligible visa holders who were in Australia on or before 1 October 2020.
For further information on the reforms read the Minister's media release.
commUnity+ delivers English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs. Courses are held at commUnity+ sites and in partnership with community groups, schools, and other partners.
Certificates in English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL courses prepare students for further study or employment through improving English language speaking, listening, reading and writing, as well as vocabulary and pronunciation.
commUnity+ is a Foundation Skills Approved Provider and contracted provider of Victorian Government-subsidised training. Funding is provided through the Skills First program.
*This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding subject to eligibility requirements. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Enrolment for eligible students will affect future training options and eligibility for further government-subsidised training under the Skills First Program. Enrolment fees may apply.
commUnity+ offers SEE courses to help students develop the language and numeracy skills needed to gain employment or complete further study.
Information for Referring Agencies:
FREE accredited training is provided for:
- Clients who would benefit from employability skills-focused training
- English speaking and non-English speaking clients
- Further development of reading, writing, maths, speaking and listening skills
- Pathways to employment and further study
- All eligible clients aged 15-64 years
- Rolling intakes throughout the year
The training provides up to 650 hours of accredited training in Coburg, St Albans, Deer Park, Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Surrey Hills, and Watergardens. Referrals are taken from Centrelink or a Job Services Australia provider
commUnity+ is proud to deliver the SEE Program on behalf of Learning for Employment.
*This Skills for Education and Employment is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.
ACFE Learn Local courses are designed to help students to return to study, improve reading, writing and numeracy skills, get a job or learn something new.
commUnity+ is proud to be a Learn Local organisation and partner with Allara Mambourin Disability Services to provide education services through the ACFE program.
A range of programs is offered, including:
*Comm Unity Plus Services Ltd acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
