AMEP Volunteer Tutor Program
What is the AMEP Volunteer Tutor Program?
The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is available to eligible migrants and refugees wanting to learn foundation English language and settlement skills, to enable them to participate socially and economically within Australian society.
The AMEP Volunteer Tutor Program is a sub-program of the AMEP. It offers informal language tuition for migrants and refugees, provided by trained volunteers on a one-to-one basis, outside the classroom environment either online or face to face.
For more information, please continue reading below, or you can call 02 7920 6769 or email us on amephts@tafensw.edu.au.
Why become an AMEP volunteer tutor?
People become a volunteer for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it is:
- a great opportunity to get to know other cultures while helping students settle into their new life in Australia
- a chance to give something back to the community or to make a difference to the people in their community
- an opportunity to develop new skills or enhance existing knowledge and experience.
How much time do I need to dedicate?
AMEP volunteer tutors are welcome to spend as much time with their student as they require. However, when volunteers join the program, they make a six-month commitment to meet with their student, for at least one hour per week.
AMEP Volunteer Tutor Program sessions are negotiated between the AMEP volunteer tutor and the student - with the flexibility to reschedule sessions when required.
What experience do I need?
As an AMEP volunteer tutor, you will receive comprehensive training, as no previous teaching experience is required.
TAFE NSW AMEP volunteer tutors also receive:
- free training via A Course in Volunteer English Language Tutoring, which includes tasks to develop cross-cultural awareness and tasks to assist students with their settlement needs
- skills training for one-on-one tutoring
- ongoing support from the AMEP Volunteer Tutor Program coordinator
- a monthly newsletter
- job satisfaction
- an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.
What support resources are available for volunteers?
TAFE NSW values all AMEP volunteer tutors' contribution to the program, and we will continue to assist and support you with your work as a volunteer tutor. The program provides regular access to online volunteer tutor workshops, delivered by TAFE NSW teachers.
The AMEP Volunteer Tutor Program coordinator supports volunteer tutors via regular communication and training updates. Volunteer tutors are encouraged to communicate with AMEP teachers if their student is receiving tuition, through in-person classes or distance learning.
Online resources
Both AMEP volunteer tutors and AMEP students can access online interactive resources, such as Living in Australia, and World Wide English, which also has an accompanying application that volunteer tutors may find particularly useful for their sessions.
In addition, there are free resources available on the Department of Home Affairs page.
We also invite you to join our private, volunteer tutor Facebook group, where you can receive ongoing information. This community group is also a place to engage with other volunteer tutors, sharing tips and volunteering experiences in the AMEP.
How do I become an AMEP volunteer English tutor?
The process to become a volunteer tutor involves five stages.
- Preparation - Gathering your documentation to upload into your application.
- Application - Completing your application and uploading documentation via Better Impact (our volunteer management system).
- Interview - Once your application and documentation have been processed, we will arrange a 15 minute telephone interview, at a time to suit you.
- Training - You will complete a 15-hour online tutor training program, that is self-paced to suit your needs.
- Matching - We will start working on matching you to a student in your local area.
Your application
Please ensure that you have all of the following documentation ready before you start your application. This will ensure a quicker transition to commence volunteer tutoring.
- Working with Children Check document (WWCC), including the registration number and expiry date.
- Photo of you holding your photo ID, either a driver’s license or passport. How to hold your photo ID.
- Proof of identification. Proof of identification documents are not kept by TAFE NSW and will be destroyed. Examples of required documents can be found here:
Identity Document List- 1x Commencement Document e.g. Australian passport, birth certificate.
- 1x Primary Document e.g. Australian Driver’s License, proof of age card, marriage certificate, etc.
- 2x Secondary Document e.g. Medicare card, utility bill, bank statement, etc.
We look forward to working with you and welcoming you to our team.
Please contact the AMEP Volunteer Tutor Program on 02 7920 6769 or email us on amephts@tafensw.edu.au