Finding His Voice in Australia: Vinh’s Journey with the AMEP

“I am incredibly grateful for the free education provided through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) with Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF). This place has given me more than just English lessons, it has given me confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging.”  

Vinh came to Australia from Vietnam in 2023, with a heart full of hope and dreams. Leaving family behind and moving countries was not easy for him, but it was a risk worth taking when you are chasing a new life and a better future.   

“Being given this opportunity meant everything to me, and from the very beginning, I promised myself that I would give it my absolute best.”  


New Beginning and a New Challenge  

Vinh worked at a glass processing and cutting factory in Sydney from 2023 to 2024, where he developed practical skills. Every day was a new experience: machines buzzing, precision glass cutting, and the satisfaction of honest work. Despite his technical ability, he still faced a major hurdle. His greatest challenge was communication. 

“My limited English often made it difficult to understand instructions, share ideas, or even have simple conversations with my colleagues and manager. There were moments when I felt frustrated, embarrassed, and unsure of myself,” Vinh shares.  

He further added, “Sometimes, I knew I could do more, but the words just would not come out. Those moments affected my confidence and made me seriously reflect on my future in Australia.”  

Finding Confidence with English lessons  

In 2024, Vinh made one of the most important and difficult decisions of his life.  He decided to leave his job and enrol in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at the Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) Cabramatta college to focus on improving his English and rebuilding confidence. The AMEP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.  

“It wasn’t easy to step away from full-time work, but deep down I knew that investing in myself was the key to long-term success.”  

While many students successfully balance work and study, Vinh felt that dedicating time to his learning was the right step for his long-term goals.  

Over the next 12 months, Vinh’s life began to change in ways that he never imagined. Slowly but surely, his English improved, from booking doctor’s appointments to communicating comfortably with neighbours and friends, he started speaking in English more frequently in daily life.  

“These may seem like small things, but for me, they are huge achievements that make me feel independent and proud.”  

With the constant encouragement and support from teachers and classmates at NSF, Vinh gained a clear sense of direction and purpose for the future.   

The Road Ahead 

With a strong purpose, Vinh has an exciting goal ahead of him to pursue a dream job in construction. “I love hands-on work, building things, and seeing actual results at the end of the day. To achieve this dream, I plan to complete a construction course so I can gain the skills, knowledge, and qualifications needed to succeed in the industry.”  

During his time at NSF, Vinh has made great friends, met so many kind and supportive people, and received amazing guidance from every teacher from whom he has learned a lot.   

“The care and encouragement from the staff have played a huge role in my personal growth and happiness. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all the teachers and staff for believing in me, supporting me, and helping me build a brighter future. I will always be thankful for this journey and everything I have learned along the way.”  


For more information about courses that can give you new job skills as well as improve your English call Navitas Skilled Futures on 1300 798 111.  
 
 

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