English Language Requirements - AIWCW recognition for Welfare Workers
- Update
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
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.
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
On the basis of this advice, AIWCW first
proposed an implementation date of
The decision was made within the context of
the rapidly increasing enrolments in welfare courses in
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
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.
Summary Statement
Revision of English Language Requirements for AIWCW Recognition as a
Welfare Worker
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
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
Telephone: (61 3) 9654 8287; Fax: 9654 1081 Email:
info@aiwcw.org.au