National Code: 21499VIC

Course Location and Contact Information

Course Description

The Certificate III in ESL Employment - English for Bilingual Community Work is designed for students that want to work in the community sector using their language and cultural skills as bilingual workers. The course was developed by NMIT in 2004 as a response to the need for community workers who are bilingual. Bilingual workers are needed to assist aged communities, young people in schools and, especially, newly arrived communities who speak rare languages in the health, education, settlement and welfare sectors. In 2008, we are offering a course developed in conjunction with the Health and Community Studies (HACS) department. It is aimed at students whose English is around intermediate level who would benefit from English language support based around the content of the Certificate II in Community Services. Participants study modules from the Certificate II in Community Services for one day a week with the HACS department, and for three days a week they do English language training and receive support. Students will gain a thorough understanding of the range of work involved in community services as well learning about the legal, social and ethical issues involved in this type of work. Having learned some of the language and vocabulary associated with this field, students will be in a much better position to apply for other courses, such as the Certificate III in Children’s Services or the Certificate IV in Community Services. At the end of the year, successful students will have completed the Certificate III in ESL Employment and the Certificate II in Community Services.

Students will develop the academic skills required to undertake the Community Services course. Course content will be based around the competencies required in the Certificate II in Community Training Package and students will get the opportunity to develop practical skills through workshops, workplace visits and practical placement.

Career Opportunities

Many of our students work in migrant resource centres, community health centres, in schools as multicultural education aides, in local government, housing, welfare associations and other services organisations. They aim to assist new migrants and refugees with settlement and support services. Those who go on to complete the Certificate IV in Community Services may work in a range of social work areas in the community sector.

Course Duration

Students study for 20 hours a week for one year at the Certificate III level.

Course Commencement Dates

February

Entrance Requirements

All applicants are interviewed before placement in the program.

Application Procedures

Apply directly to the Vocational Pathways Department.

Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers

Students may be eligible for exemptions/transfers on the basis of previous qualifications.

Pathways to Further Study

Following completion of the Certificate II in Community Services, students may go on to further study in areas such as community welfare, community development, interpreting, youth work, child care, aged care, community services, administration or other related fields.

Course Outline

Course modules

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking
• Practical Placement
• Vocational Elective

Course content

• English language study at intermediate level
• Volunteer work with community organisations.
• Work experience
• Introduction to the community sector
• Exploring training and career pathways leading to work in the community
• Mentoring program

How students learn

• Individual and group tasks
• Computer and internet access and training
• Guest speakers from community and government agencies
• Visits to community organisations
• Research and presentation projects

Guest speakers, visits program and work experience

Our speaker and visit program provides the opportunity for students to find out about how community organisations and service providers work and what skills they need to enter the sector.

Students have the opportunity to do their work experience in a wide range of organisations such as migrant resource centres, community organisations and government agencies. Students undertake a range of duties such as organising events, administration and reception, and facilitating group activities as a bilingual worker.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is continuous and ongoing, focusing on the process of learning as well as the competency requirements of the modules of the ESL Framework, as well as competency in the workplace, during their work experience. As part of the assessment, students develop a folio of work. Training package modules will be assessed by an accredited assessor.

Materials

Students are required to provide their own stationery and writing materials. Worksheets will be provided during the course.

Students also have access to a range of facilities and services to assist with their learning and well-being while at TAFE.

• Independent Learning Centre
• computer and language labs
• vocational counselling
• library facilities
• sports and recreational facilities.

Qualification

As part of the Australian Qualifications Framework these programs are nationally recognised. On successful completion students will be awarded the Certificate III ESL Framework in the Employment stream. They will also receive certification in the Training Package modules required to complete the Certificate II in Community Services.

Links

The Victorian Government makes a significant contribution to these programs.