In August and September TAFE NSW, with support from Gymea Community Aid & Information Service, ran a six-week program called Feeding Language.
The program aimed to provide employment and/or training opportunities, with a focus on developing English language skills at the same time as knowledge and skills in the vocational area of hospitality.
This hands-on course was held in the hospitality section of Loftus TAFE, and allowed for students to learn safe food handling, professional cooking techniques and presentation techniques, while practising speaking English.
Gymea Community Aid & Information Service supported the program by recruiting volunteers who worked with the students in the classroom to assist with learning and developing their English skills.
In their last class, students cooked a meal from their home countries and prepared a celebratory lunch for all participants and project partners.
All 15 students completed the course and 10 of the students have since moved into other short courses in hospitality while still completing their Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) hours.
This successful model of a workplace vocation course for AMEP students is being replicated, including a proposal to expand into aged care and food tour guiding courses across TAFE NSW in 2020.