2. Courses
  3. Education and Languages
  4. Volunteer Tutor Scheme

Becoming a Volunteer

The Volunteer Tutor Scheme, as part of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), helps eligible migrants and refugees who cannot attend English classes.

The Scheme provides training and support for volunteer tutors who help migrants and refugees to learn English and to settle into Australia.

Secure your spot in an upcoming training course by email or phone (7210 3566):

  • Face-to-Face training course at Adelaide Campus:  10 November to 8 December 

OR

  • Online training course: 12 October to 4 December
vts-female-duo

How can becoming a Volunteer Tutor benefit you?

By volunteering to become a tutor you have an opportunity to:

  • develop new skills
  • meet people from a wide range of backgrounds
  • learn about other languages and cultures
  • help migrants and refugees learn English and become part of the Australian
    community
  • receive VTS newsletters and ongoing training throughout the year through Professional Development Sessions.

Volunteer Testimonial

Testimonial

I finished my working career and was looking to help a newcomer to Australia assimilate more easily into our way of life.

I saw the TAFE SA Volunteer Tutor advertisement and applied. I completed the training before being assigned to an Afghani couple.

I really love the interaction with my students. You can see they want to learn as much as they can and I was amazed at the friendliness of my students welcoming me into their homes.

When we have a Professional Update Day with other Volunteer Tutors we share ideas, activities and resources. My favourite part of being a Volunteer Tutor is preparing a new and interesting activity each week, plus revisiting what we have learnt from the previous week.

Glenys Jones OAM JP

What is required of a Volunteer Tutor?

You need to be able to:

  • speak and write English well
  • relate to people from different cultural backgrounds
  • appreciate the difficulties of living in a community in which you
    don't speak the language
  • attend the 15 hour training course (face-to-face or online)
  • spare a few hours per week
  • drive to the student's home (up to 20 minutes from your own home)
  • make a minimum six month commitment to tutoring
  • commence a student match before training is completed.

You don't need to:

  • speak another language
  • be a teacher.

Tutoring takes place once a week in the refugee or migrant's own home or at a public venue.

Tutor Training Course

The Volunteer Tutor Scheme matches trained volunteers with migrants and refugees who want to learn English but are unable to attend classes. All volunteer tutors undertake a English as a Second Language (ESL) training course especially designed for tutors.

The 15 hour course will give you the knowledge and skills required to work effectively with students in ESL programs. Each training session is compulsory.

It provides you with information about:

  • Migration and Cross Cultural Communication
  • Adult Learning
  • Working with Beginner, Elementary and Intermediate levels
  • Pronunciation, Speaking and Listening
  • Reading and Writing
  • Settlement issues.

How will the Volunteer Tutor Scheme training course help you?

You will learn new skills, meet new people and have the opportunity to help others. As a tutor with the Volunteer Tutor Scheme you will have access to TAFE SA Adelaide and Salisbury Libraries - Adelaide Library being the largest English language library in South Australia.

Who can join the Volunteer Tutor Scheme training course?

Anyone with a good level of English, good pronunciation and a few hours to give each week can apply for the Volunteer Tutor Scheme training.

What does it cost to study the Volunteer Tutor Scheme training course?

Training is free! Two Department of Human Services (DHS) Screening Checks will be required - WWCC and Vulnerable Persons.

Where can you study the Volunteer Tutor Scheme training course?

Training will be delivered face-to-face once a week for five weeks on Tuesdays from 9.15am-12.45pm at either TAFE SA Adelaide City Campus or TAFE SA Salisbury Campus. Alternatively for those working or unable to attend the face-to-face training the Online option is available. Our Volunteer Tutor Scheme staff will discuss training options with you.

Where can you find out more about the Volunteer Tutor Scheme training course?

For more information about becoming a volunteer tutor please contact our friendly Volunteer Tutor Scheme staff on (08) 7210 3566 or AMEP reception staff on (08) 8226 6555.  Alternatively you can complete the VTS Application Form and email it to volunteertutor@tafesa.edu.au.

Volunteer Tutor Scheme Office:

TAFE SA Salisbury Campus
16 Wiltshire Street
SALISBURY  SA  5108
Phone: (08) 7210 3566