MERCADO REGIONAL

CIT provides a wide range of learning opportunities for the ACT multicultural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

In 2011 the CIT Vocational College won the ACT Multicultural Education Award. The award recognises the Vocational College's outstanding commitment to people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as underlined by the College's Adult Migrant English Program, Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program, the English for Employment, Study and Life Program and the English Program for international students.

CIT is mindful of issues of cultural diversity and discrimination, and its Counselling and Equity team regularly provides classes to staff and students with information about CIT policies and procedures in this regard.

CIT also caters for a wide cohort of international students.

Programs offered by CIT to assist students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds implement funding provided by both the ACT and Australian

Governments.

5.1. English as a Second Language Classes

English as a Second Language Classes are offered through the CIT Purchase Agreement for VET with the ACT Government. CIT English as a Second Language courses provide students with the opportunity to improve their skills in speaking, listening, reading or writing English, from a beginner to advanced level. The program includes the Adult Migrant English Program, the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program, and English for Employment, Study and Life.

5.1.1. Adult Migrant English Program

Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship. This program includes a Home Tutor Scheme. Students may attend full or part-time. There are evening class options, and a community based class offered at CIT Gungahlin. All other classes are offered at CIT.

ACT GOVERNMENT SUBMISSION

5.1.2. Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program

CIT is the major provider of adult literacy programs in the ACT. CIT has received funding through competitive tendering and grant applications from the Australian Government forthe delivery of theLanguage, Literacy and Numeracy Program (LLNP). Clients are referred by Centrelink or Employment Service Providers and must be registered job seekers. Eligible clients can access up to 800 hours of English language instruction, contextualised to assist them to access employment and further training.

5.1.3. English for Employment, Study and Life

CIT provides a Certificate I in English for Employment, Study and Life. This program provides elementary English language, employability skills, technology and study skills for general usage, work and further study. The program is delivered over two semesters full-time (approximately 15 hours per week) or a part-time equivalent.

5.2. Workplace English Language and Literacy

CIT has received funding through competitive tendering and grant applications from the Australian Government for programs funded under Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL).

5.3. Skills for Education and Employment program

The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program provides language, literacy and numeracy training to job seekers who find it hard to get work. Job seekers are referred to the program by the Department of Human Services, Employment Service Providers including the Remote Jobs and Communities Program. Funded by

DIICSRTE, eligible participant receive up to 800 hours of free accredited training to improve English language, literacy and numeracy and advanced training for work purposes.

5.4. Learning Support Program

Migrant students with English as a second language are also supported as they study vocational programs at CIT through CIT’s Learning Support Program which includes Drop-in Tutorials scheduled at CIT Learning Centres and program specific support such as tutorials and in-class support in various programs.

ACT GOVERNMENT SUBMISSION

The Learning Centre provides Drop-in Tutorials to students at CIT Bruce, CIT Gungahlin, CIT Reid and CIT Woden. Students can get support with research and study skills, English and maths skills, preparing oral presentations, understanding assignments and using a scientific calculator.

5.5. Specialist support

CIT provides specialist support to mainstream migrant and refugee students where their learning needs cannot be met by other CIT courses. CIT works with students to design pathways into CIT courses, provide support for study and exams, deal with issues or complaints about discrimination and referrals to community services and agencies. CIT’s cultural diversity coordinator works with migrant and refugee students to understand the education and workplace culture in Australia. These services are free and confidential to students studying at CIT.

5.6. CIT Yurauna Centre

CIT Yurauna Centre is CIT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support centre. It is community-focussed, welcoming all CIT Indigenous students in a supportive, friendly and encouraging environment.

CIT Yurauna Centre organises social events, barbeque lunches, guest speakers, and organises large-scale events on-campus such as NAIDOC Week and

Reconciliation Week, showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through music, traditional dance, food and artwork.

CIT staff can assist students with study and career advice, enrolment, financial support, tutorial support, literacy and numeracy assessments and time management to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to ensure they can

accomplish their study and life goals.

5.7. International students

CIT’s international students have access to many of the services in student support. CIT provides additional support to international students through a manager of international pastoral care and pastoral care officers, who are delegated teachers or staff in each CIT centre who support the international students in their area.

ACT GOVERNMENT SUBMISSION

6. TOR 6: Relevant experiences and learnings from Australian