A student of the Adult Migrant English Program at Griffith TAFE has backed the program after a recent report suggested the program is struggling in regional areas.
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A Scanlon Institute paper from June marked a decrease of more than 7,000 students undertaking the program for the 2018-19 academic year compared to previous years.
The program provides eligible migrants and refugees up to 510 hours of English language tuition and help in regards to settling in Australia, with students attending face-to-face classes for 15 hours a week.
However, student of the program Jaidee Bell - who grew up in Thailand - believes without the program she would not have been able to find work in Australia.
"When I first came to Australia I didn't understand English at all," she said.
"I learned everything at TAFE NSW, even about Australian culture and customs."
Ms Bell has worked at the Baiada chicken factory in Hanwood since 2016.
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The Head Teacher of Career Pathways at Griffith TAFE, Peter Jones, said Ms Bell's experience is standard for those who come through the program in Griffith.
"We have some great employment outcomes and it's very personally gratifying to see the transformation of these students," he said.
"Ultimately, most go on to further training or employment."
Enrolment in the program is open year-round.
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