See also Student Support

SWSi offers many programs and services to ensure that people from a language background other than English have access to vocational education and training.

Support includes:

SWSi employs specialist Institute Multicultural Education Coordinators (IMECs) to assist in addressing issues faced by students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds who study in the Institute.

The IMEcs also work closely with regional ethnic community organisations, schools and other ethno-specific organisations and the wider community to address their training needs of diverse clients. They also negotiate access to training and pathways to vocational study in SWS Institute.

IMECs also offer support and advice to students, community and TAFE staff in the following areas :

• issues of racism and discrimination
• assessing overseas skills and qualifications towards Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• assist with booking interpreters for trade tests
• provide assistance with classroom management
• assist with support and reasonable adjustment for CALD students in mainstream courses.
• customising programs in consultation with community and schools
• customised learner support  

Institute Multicultural Education Coordinators also provide training and support for staff  in the following areas; cross cultural awareness, refugee youth, overseas skills recognition, community profiling and immigration trends.

You can contact your local college IMEC on the numbers listed below:

Bankstown, Chullora, Lidcombe, Padstow : 9780 5602
Campbelltown, Liverpool, Macquarie Fields, MBISC : 9827 5107
Granville : 9682 0308
Miller, Wetherill Park : 9609 9342

Adult Basic Education

Adult Basic Education sections can help you with reading, writing and maths skills. Tutorial support is also available if you are studying a course in another area. Teachers work with you to develop an individual program to suit your needs. To discuss your needs, contact the Adult Basic Education section at your college on 13 SWSi (13 7974).

Individual Learning Centre

The Individual Learning Centre is the place to go to improve your English, maths, communication or study skills. It is open up to five days a week and you can enrol at any time. Individual programs are designed to help you work at a pace that is right for you.

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses

Designed to assist people to gain vocational skills so that they can get a job or go on to further study. Support is also provided to students in mainstream courses who need help with their English.

Contact the Individual Learning Centre at your local college.