A new approach blending traditional teaching methods with personalised AI-powered coaching is transforming how diverse learners build language and employability skills.
It has been pioneered by AMES Australia, a Victorian public entity and Registered Training Organisation (RTO) supporting refugees, migrants, and multicultural communities from the initial stages of their settlement journey to their ultimate independence.
To enable them to take active roles in their settlement journeys, the organisation is offering the MyAMES Chat app, an AI powered coaching tool.
The app helps users build practical language and employability skills by simulating real-world job interviews, workplace conversations, and cultural interactions.
Users practice technical and behavioural questions, small talk, and sector-specific vocabulary in a safe, supportive environment.
A winner at the 2023 Victorian Premier’s Design Award and the 2025 TechDiversity Awards, the app analyses each learner’s communication style, clarity, and confidence. It then delivers real-time feedback, targeted exercises, and an ‘interview-ready’ score to track progress against the wider jobseeker market.
Flexible support to learners
Dr Linh Le, Senior Manager of Education Services at AMES Australia, said the app afforded added flexibility to newly arrived migrants and refugees studying English.
“It’s an extension of the work we’ve been doing over many years to support newly arrived migrants and refugees in successfully settling and thriving in Australia socially, economically, and professionally. It augments the holistic support learners receive from our teachers.”
Dr Linh Le
She explained that the app allows learners to study in their own time, at their own pace and convenience.
“In addition, it is also helping them build digital skills. Overall, the app is equipping our learners with job interview skills, enabling them to find employment that matches their skills and qualifications more quickly and confidently.”
Empowering teachers and learners
For teachers, the app is a game-changer.
It provides detailed insights into individual learner strengths and gaps, enabling more targeted, higher-value teaching. Learners can practice anytime, freeing classroom time for deeper coaching and personalised support.
The app has enabled teachers to provide more tailored learning experiences, allowing learners’ unique needs to be better supported.
However, integrating the app into teaching practices has presented some challenges, including time constraints and the need for digital and AI literacy.
“Equipping our teachers with digital and AI skills through targeted professional development has been essential to successfuly integrating the app into our classrooms,” said Linh.
From struggle to innovation
The app has been built in partnership with Australian AI developer Getmee. Founder and CEO Balendran Thavarajah arrived in Australia with no English or any formal schooling from Northern Sri Lanka.
Once in Australia, ‘Bala’ taught himself English and gained access to Western Sydney University to complete a computer science degree through an alternative pathways program. Bala has since founded three technology companies.
“I saw people here in Australia going through the same struggles as I did, learning about a new country, culture and language.
“I thought ‘how could I automate some of these processes through AI?’,” he said.
In addition to AMES Australia, other customers of the app include MTC FutureReady, genU Training, Serco, The Palladium Group, Ingeus UK, and Story House Early Learning. Customers and partners get the app branded for them. To date, it has been downloaded over 50, 000 times.