Want to be able to participate more fully in Australian life?
Looking to improve your English language skills and prepare for work in Australia?
Chisholm offers a range of courses to help you reach your goals.
Foundation College Acting English Language Studies Manager Meg Wyatt explains why Chisholm is a great place to do an English language course.
Which English language course should I start with?
The first step is to understand which English language course is right for you.
The easiest way to do this is to come in to one of our campuses for an initial assessment.
We will:
- Get some background information to understand more about you.
- Assess your language level. This might involve having a chat to the teacher and doing some activities like reading or writing practice.
- Enrol you in the course that’s right for you.
English as an Additional Language EAL
If you are newly arrived in Australia or you need to learn a level of English to help you study or get a job, an English as an Additional Language (EAL) course may be the way to go.
Chisholm offers many options, starting with our Course in Initial EAL. This beginner course teaches you the basics of the English language.
From there, you can progress to a Certificate I in EAL or a higher level certificate. If your English is more advanced, a Certificate IV in EAL for Employment/Professional or for Further Study may suit you.
Browse the full list of EAL courses..
Adult Migrant English Program
Did you know you may be able to access English language courses for free?
Under the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants in Australia with no or low levels of English can:
- Access unlimited hours of English classes until you reach vocational English
- Apply to enrol, even if you’ve enrolled in AMEP before and have been living in Australia for many years
- Keep studying, even if you’ve completed 510 hours (the previous limit), until you reach vocational English.
The AMEP is available to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants who hold a permanent visa or aneligible temporary visaand to Australian citizens who previously held a permanent visa.
If you arrived in Australia after October 1, 2020, you must meet the following timeframes from the date of your visa starting or arrival in Australia to be eligible:
- Register with an AMEP service provider within six months (or 12 months if you are younger than 18 at the time of registration)
- Start your tuition within 12 months
- Complete your tuition within five years.
You can find more information about eligibility on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Otherwise, to find out more about AMEP, get in touch with us on 1300 517 459 or amep@chisholm.edu.au.
Settlement Language Pathways to Employment and Training
Do you need to prepare for work in Australia?
If you are eligible for AMEP, you may also be entitled to for Settlement Language Pathways to Employment and Training (SLPET).
These courses not only improve your English, they give you practical skills to prepare for work in Australia. “They run for a set period of time and have an emphasis on job skills,” says Meg.
What’s really great is that SLPET includes a two-week work placement. And if you have children, free childcare may be available to you.
Examples of what you might learn include:
- The types of language to use at work
- How to look for employment
- Resume writing and applying for jobs
- Preparing for interviews
- Health and safety rules.
Why study at Chisholm?
If you’re looking for a warm and welcoming environment to study English, Meg says to look no further than Chisholm.
“It’s a wonderful place with very dedicated teachers and really great opportunities for the students,” she says. “It’s a very welcoming environment with lots of different course offerings.
“We have careers pathways advice and access to all the Chisholm resources, including counselling and guidance.”
Ready to get started?
To find out more about studying English as an Additional Language EAL at Chisholm, get in touch with our AMEP team by phone on 1300 517 459 or email amep@chisholm.edu.au.
