20 October, 2019

Taree-region residents who migrated from various Middle Eastern and Asian nations have learnt how to run market stalls as a way to integrate into the local community and generate income from cooking cuisine meals from their native countries.

The TAFE NSW Taree Adult English Migrant Program (AMEP) students have undertaken further training to learn the practical business and event skills they needed to hold their own market stalls.

TAFE NSW AMEP Coordinator and Teacher, Janette Miller said “The AMEP assists people to learn English, find employment and adapt to their new lifestyle in Australia.

“We have a significant migrant population on the Mid North Coast and it is important to offer training to give them the skills to integrate comfortably into the community,” said Janette.

“There are many local festivals, events and community markets that provide an opportunity to sell products and the ladies had the idea that they could sell some of the amazing multicultural food they cook.”

TAFE NSW customised the training to meet the language and cultural needs of the participants which would ensure that they were equipped with the practical skills and experience they needed to feel confident in selling home-made food at a market stall.

“We organised for participants to undertake their food hygiene qualifications and had guest speakers covering topics such as the legalities around holding the stall and serving food. We also had a local business owner and regular market stall holder come along and give practical tips and tricks,” said Janette.

“We also focus on communication. How to speak with customers and network with other community members is really important, and the ladies are doing exceptionally well.”

The group held a market stall last week at TAFE NSW Taree where staff and fellow students chose from a range of home-made food with flavours from many countries and cultures.

TAFE NSW student Chandaddarin Sriboonrueang said “I didn’t realise there was so much involved in having a market stall, with hot food too. I have learnt a lot and enjoyed doing the course.”

The participants will finish the training at the end of the year and will celebrate by holding some more food stall at events at TAFE NSW Taree.

The Adult Migrant English Program is funded by the Australian Government. For more information, please visit tafensw.edu.au/amep or call 1800 114 707.

Media contact: Janelle Kelly, Media and Communications Business Partner TAFE NSW, (02) 49237784, mobile 0417 439 392.