July 25, 2025

Migrant TAFE students serve up classic Australian dishes at their graduation ceremony

FIFTEEN Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) students at TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour celebrated their graduation from the Stepping Up into Kitchen Operations program by preparing and serving classic Australian dishes for their families.

Students in the program come from a diverse range of countries including Ethiopia, Japan, Myanmar, the Philippines, Burundi, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Not only does the course teach practical experience in a commercial kitchen it also offers students the opportunity to strengthen their English language skills.

Throughout the course, students learned how to make popular Australian meals such as pasta, steak, and desserts. Completing the Statement of Attainment can be a springboard into part-time employment or further studies in hospitality.

Evelyn Llevado, originally from the Philippines, said the experience had given them more than just kitchen skills.

“I feel more confident speaking English and I want to keep learning.

“My family is proud of me.”

TAFE NSW Project Lead Lisa Walker, who created the Stepping Up program in 2019, said it was originally designed to help English language learners break out of the traditional classroom environment.

Since then, Stepping Up has expanded from kitchen operations into bakery, hair and beauty, coffee skills, and horticulture.

“I saw how hard our AMEP students were working and thought ‘what if we gave them the chance to build their English skills while doing something hands-on, like cooking?’” Ms Walker said.

“It’s incredible to see how far they have come in just nine weeks.

“The students transform from being shy and quiet, to chatty, confident and proud of what they’ve achieved.”

The AMEP is a free English language tuition service delivered by TAFE NSW and funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

By Andrea FERRARI

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