New migrants will be better supported to develop the skills needed to get a job as part of the Coalition’s plan for jobs and growth through a strengthened Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Senator the Hon Scott Ryan joined the Liberal candidate for Indi Sophie Mirabella at the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre near Wodonga to launch the Coalition’s strengthened program.

“Language skills are critical to assisting migrants in building a new life in Australia and to secure a job or start their own small business,” Minister Ryan said.

“The Coalition’s economic plan will deliver a strong new economy with more than 200,000 new jobs for Australian workers expected to be created in 2016-17.

“That’s on top of the nearly 300,000 new jobs that were created last year, the strongest growth in employment since 2007.

“AMEP is a critical program as part of the Coalition’s plan for jobs and growth to help new Australians fully engage in the Australian community.

“The new AMEP business model will mean migrants, who are busy settling into a new home, helping kids find their way at school and looking for work, will be better supported in their English studies. The changes provide more choice for how, when and at what pace students can learn.”

Mrs Mirabella said she was pleased to be joined by Minister Ryan in Bonegilla to make the announcement as it is an important place in Australia’s migration history.

“Bonegilla was the nation’s largest reception centre, welcoming and assisting 300,000 new Australians between 1947 and 1971. Many of those arrivals went on to become business and community leaders.

“I hope that with the changes to AMEP, the latest arrivals to Australia, and to our region specifically, can make a valuable contribution to our community.”

Minister Ryan said consultations with AMEP clients and service providers had led to the strengthening of AMEP. Changes include:

  • Better assisting migrants to improve their job prospects by giving them the necessary English language skills for full participation and financial independence in Australia.
  • Encouraging migrants to join AMEP and stay in the programme for their full 510 hour entitlement of free English language classes
  • Helping students to get better results during their time in AMEP by offering learning that is tailored to client needs, such as additional tuition hours and streamed online tuition, and employment-specific language lessons.
  • Encouraging new ideas and greater innovation in the delivery of AMEP, including using technology.

For further information on AMEP visit: www.education.gov.au/amep or contact Minister Ryan’s office.