Case Study

Chisholm manages delivery of English language and settlement support services to over 3500 students.

At Chisholm, we deliver English language and settlement services to more than 3500 people a year under the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

Partner and customer

Melbourne Polytechnic and Melbourne AMEP

The contract

In 2023 we delivered AMEP training to over 3500 students and employed 85 AMEP-specific teachers, 23 support staff and three vocational pathway officers across seven sites.

Background

Melbourne AMEP is a network of TAFE and Learn Local organisations, led by Melbourne Polytechnic, that delivers the AMEP across five regions in Victoria.

Since 2017, Chisholm has successfully provided AMEP training and support services across the South East Melbourne and Peninsula region.

The AMEP is an Australian Government service that helps eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants with low English levels to improve their English language skills and settle into Australia. It is offered to all eligible migrants on their arrival in the country. Contract delivery is measured by strict key performance indicators that operate across every aspect of the AMEP, from completion rates and outcomes to retention and more.

The challenge

Melbourne’s South East and Peninsula region is home to a large number of migrants from diverse backgrounds and with very different needs.

To deliver training to them all we needed to develop a program that was flexible, responsive and place-based.

 Our program is not just about language. People face multiple challenges when they first arrive in a new country and sometimes the difficulties they face become overwhelming. This affects their ability to learn, attendance and ultimately their ability to successfully settle into a new way of living.

“We have had a very successful partnership with Chisholm over the past seven years. We love the collegiality and appreciate their commitment to providing high quality AMEP training and services throughout their region.”
- Pauline Morrow, Director Foundation, Melbourne Polytechnic

The solution

We established AMEP delivery sites in seven locations – at Dandenong, Berwick, Hampton Park, Cranbourne, Frankston, Springvale and Lynbrook. While some are on TAFE campuses, others are hosted in community centres and Learn Locals. This gives our students the opportunity to choose to study near home and in an environment where they feel most comfortable.

We also offer flexible timetabling and a range of services to overcome barriers to participation, including:

  • employing multicultural, bilingual people who deliver or provide admin services to the program
  • youth-specific programs for 16 to 25 year olds
  • individual support through Chisholm’s counselling and student support services.

Excursions provide learning opportunities of a different kind. We take our students out to explore attractions such as local libraries, art galleries and nature spots, and assist them to navigate public transport. In this way they build their confidence in engaging with the community.

AMEP students can also access all Chisholm services, including individual counselling, mental health, housing and health support, and assistance with employment through our Skills and Jobs Centre.

If they are thinking about further study, we provide advice on education pathways and assist with applications. In 2023 our English Language Studies Pathways Officers provided support and guidance to more than 800 students, including help with employment, laptop loan and scholarship applications, further study information, referrals to services and understanding visa eligibilities.

Partnerships

Partnerships are a feature of our AMEP courses, providing authentic learning opportunities and linking students to essential services, supports and social connections. Key partners include:

  • Services Australia – myGov, Workforce Australia, Medicare, Centrelink information sessions
  • Life Saving Victoria – beach safety presentations
  • Migrant Workers Centre – migrant workers rights, workplace safety
  • CFA – bush and home fire safety
  • Victoria Police – Australian laws
  • The Water Well Project – the health care system in Australia, sun safety, mental health
  • Victorian Electoral Commission – voting information sessions
  • Victorian Legal Aid – family violence, employment rights, superannuation, legal representation
  • Foundation House – Ucan2 program
  • Komac – settlement, mental health, cultural awareness, other information for newly arrived migrants.

Together with Melbourne AMEP and TAFE NSW, we also assist our students with childcare support, volunteer tutor services and distance learning.

To ensure that our AMEP delivery continues to be best practice, we participate in regular operational and management meetings with other Melbourne AMEP providers. These forums are collaborative and cover all aspects of program delivery. Working with our consortium partners, we share challenges and find best practice solutions to ensure that our students receive the best possible services.

Result

Delivery of AMEP across the South East and Peninsula region has gone from strength to strength, with KPIs each year either met or exceeded.

And the program continues to attract a high level of interest. We receive around 60 new enquiries every week and about 20 calls from past students who wish to continue to study.

At Chisholm, we have strong processes and defined governance and management structures and systems in place. These apply to every contract we undertake, to ensure due diligence and success, and this has been a key feature of our successful AMEP delivery.

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