Empowering New Beginnings in Rockhampton

Kai and Lea, hailing from China, and Suvas, originally from Sri Lanka, arrived in Rockhampton with hopes of joining the Australian workforce.

Although all three hold qualifications from their countries of origin—Kai’s background is in software engineering, while Lea and Suvas hold degrees in creative fields—their limited English language skills and unfamiliarity with the local job market proved stopping points.

Kai, Lea and Suvas soon joined TAFE Queensland’s Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at the Rockhampton campus, where they attended evening classes twice a week.

The program, which is available at over 40 TAFE Queensland locations, aims to support the settlement journey of eligible migrants and refugees by delivering free English language classes.

The flexible delivery of the evening class is particularly popular with students who work at the local meatworks, ensuring that the program is accessible around their shift roster.

After developing their English skills and growing more familiar with Australian work culture, all three students have since made impressive strides in their careers.

Lea moved on from her job at the meatworks to invest in her own business. She opened doors on a Gladstone teppanyaki restaurant in July 2023.

Suvas progressed into further studies and went on to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) at TAFE Queensland. She now works at an aged care facility.

Kai’s background in software engineering encouraged him to seek out similar roles. Today, he is working as an end-user computing engineer on the Gold Coast.

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.