The following is offered as background to the earlier decision by the Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers (AIWCW) in July 2008 to require an English language IELTS Level 7 by 1st January 2010, for those wishing to be recognised as a "welfare worker" for the purposes of the General Skilled Migration program. This document also seeks to overcome any perception that the decision was arbitrary and unconsidered.

 

We have since been persuaded that an extended timeline is required, and further investigation of the required level will also be undertaken. The proposed revised statement is included at the end of this document.

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Late in 2007, AIWCW received advice from several sources that although English language requirements could not be upgraded at entry into courses, that a profession was entitled to establish proficiency in English as a pre-requisite for formal recognition for migration purposes. We were informed that a number of other professions had already established an IELTS score of 7.0 as a requirement, and that social work was likely to do so in the near future.

 

AIWCW had not previously believed this requirement was possible, but very much welcomed it, because of the great concern about increasing numbers of overseas students enrolling in welfare work courses who had poor or very poor English language skills. This was still problematic when they eventually requested recognition as a welfare worker, after graduating from the appropriate courses. Because this intensive work with people requires good communication skills, and because written reports and submissions also need acceptable English, we believed such language proficiency was an essential part of the professional role. Moreover, those with poor English were very unlikely to obtain employment in the community services industry, and we concluded it would be a disservice to students if they were led to believe their English language skills would be adequate at the 5.5 IELTS level, which was required to enrol in courses. It was suggested by a number of observers and authorities, and including officers at DEEWR, that an English language requirement be included for recognition, and that the AASW be consulted, since the social work profession was also contemplating this.

 

A number of informal discussions were held with course leaders at private provider RTOs and in TAFE colleges, as well as with some attendees at Industry Skills Council forums and meetings. It was generally agreed that at least IELTS 6.5 was necessary, and that 7.0 was highly desirable as a "work-ready" level of English language proficiency. By early in 2008, feedback from AIWCW Branches, and further internal discussion had confirmed this consensus, and contact was made with the AASW. However, although such contact was readily accepted, the plans and procedures proposed by the social work profession were expressed in vague and non-committal fashion, and difficulties were experienced in contacting the responsible person(s) within AASW; this difficulty continues into the present to some extent. 澳大利亚留学网发布

 

By April and May 2008, we became aware of greatly increased enrolments in several Melbourne RTOs, and also a large increase in the number of RTOs offering or planning to offer the relevant diploma. One RTO with a basic enrolment of under about 250 in July 2007, had over 500 late in 2007, 1100 by early in May 2008, and proposed 1900 welfare work students by September this year. Another RTO increased enrolments from about 200 to over 600 early in 2008. With up to 18 RTOs also providing notices of intention to double or triple enrolments, we became alarmed at the rate of increase, and the concern expressed above regarding student expectations and disappointment led us to opt for urgent action.

 

On 29th April 2008, AIWCW met with AEI-NOOSR officials. It was noted there was a strong emphasis in discussion upon the need for English language ability in order for skilled migrants to obtain employment. During the meeting it was observed that when a positive assessment certificate is issued in relation to applications for assessment as a welfare worker it indicates that the applicant is “work ready”. As such, an applicant for a professional occupation must be proficient in the English language and that DEEWR deemed that being proficient in the English language equated to an IELTS 7.0.  It was noted that welfare work was one of the few professions with 60 Skills Points that did not require such a requirement.

 

On the basis of this advice, AIWCW first proposed an implementation date of 1st July 2009, recognising that those enrolling early in 2008 would have 18 months to upgrade English skills. But following informal discussions with an expert in applied linguistics, a progression from the minimum of 5.5 to 7.0 over a one year period for those enrolled in mid-2008 was seen as unreasonable. She believed that an upgrade over two years was reasonable, and that 18 months was quite possible, while recognising that some would be unable to attain the higher level in that time. These opinions were reported to the AIWCW National Executive on 12th July, and as a result the deadline was extended to 1st January 2010, with a required level of 7 being confirmed. Soon afterwards, the new AIWCW regulations were distributed to ACPET (the National body representing private Training Organisations), MIA (the professional organisation for the migration consultancy industry in Australia) – who also undertook to forward the advice to MARA (the Migration Agents Registration Authority), to various other authorities, and published on the AIWCW website.

 

The decision was made within the context of the rapidly increasing enrolments in welfare courses in Melbourne, of articles in the Melbourne newspapers expressing concern about English language deficiencies among participants in the Skilled Migration program, and taking into account increasing enquiries and applications from RTOs in other states. We were concerned to decrease the likely number of disappointed and angry overseas students whom we believed would find it very difficult to find jobs in this industry, and who would also find it difficult to participate fully in the relevant course work, including field education. We also hoped that the more stringent ‘exit’ requirements would act as an incentive to course providers, migration agents, and prospective students, to limit enrolments to those whose English language proficiency was sufficient, or capable of becoming so within a reasonable time frame.

 

The urgency of the situation suggested a constriction of the lead time for introduction of the requirement, but this is now seen as too disadvantageous to those already enrolled or planning to do so within the next few months. Therefore, an extension to the implementation date to 1st February 2011 is proposed. An end date for implementation is preferred to one which asks for an enrolment deadline, because applicants for recognition as a welfare worker include those who already have overseas qualifications which may be assessed as equivalent to acceptable ones in Australia.

 

With regard to the IELTS Level required, the almost universal feedback from continuing enquiries has been that 7.0 is appropriate. Consultations with RTOs, TAFE teachers and practicing welfare workers have confirmed this during the last several weeks, and some detailed written responses have enlarged upon the rationale for adopting this level. Nonetheless, a more systematic canvassing of stakeholders may be appropriate, and funding for a project to enable this will be further pursued. The extent of separate industry consultation may need special examination, since welfare work shares with social work the range of professional work places, and duplication of any proposed survey recipients will need to be avoided.

 

Further consultations with the AASW and DEEWR are anticipated regarding the need for English language assessment and the timing of any introduction of requirements. In the statement below, the upper and lower restrictions on the IELTS range are proposed, so that planned enrolments can be as realistic as possible, and with as much notice as possible.

 

 

Following additional consultations, AIWCW has decided to withdraw its earlier announcement of the introduction of an English language requirement of IELTS Level 7.0 by 1st January 2010 for those wishing to be recognised as ‘suitable as a welfare worker’ for the purposes of participation in the General Skilled Migration program.

 

To allow adequate notice to those enrolled or planning to enrol in relevant courses, AIWCW now proposes a revised starting date of 1st February 2011, with the IELTS Level yet to be determined. AIWCW will not seek a level in excess of 7.0, but will strongly urge that the level exceed 6.0. Exemptions will apply to those who can show a sufficient background and experience with the English language over an extended period of time, and in particular, those resident in countries that have English as the primary language.

 

The details of the exemptions and other requirements of this regulation are yet to be determined. Interested persons are invited in the first instance to contact the AIWCW National Office, at the address below. Further consultations with interested persons and stakeholders will soon be conducted.

 

AIWCW National Office

PO Box 42

Flinders Lane PO, VIC 8009

Telephone: (61 3) 9654 8287; Fax: 9654 1081 Email: info@aiwcw.org.au