Fashion course gives CALD learners a career start

Luca

Holmesglen’s fashion school has collaborated with social enterprise Assembled Threads to give culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) students a chance to study and find new employment opportunities.

The students are undertaking the MST30119 Certificate III in Clothing and Textile Production, in which they receive bespoke commercial sewing training.

Assembled Threads connects CALD community members with new skills and training opportunities and works with government and industry customers to fulfil their social procurement needs by producing ethically made workwear.

After initially undertaking a two-week skills program at Holmesglen, the first group of students now are completing apprenticeships, learning skills in sewing, garment production, and applying and interpreting patterns.

Assembled Threads CEO Edwina Walsh says she chose Holmesglen because of its industry-standard training.

"I was blown away. Holmesglen focused on commercial skills training and the machinery the students were engaged with is exactly the machinery used in the industry.

“Students have learned how to construct colours, cuffs and create actual garments, and they absolutely love it.

“Holmesglen training really builds a confident and highly skilled team, and that’s what you need in any organisation, no matter how large or small.”

What do some of the apprentices have to say about the clothing and textile production course?

Aartiben Patel

“The teachers have taught me very well. Before I didn’t know how to sew, but now I understand the techniques.”

Hayat Alisheikh

“I’ve always had an interest in sewing and I thought, ‘why not?’. I thought the course would be something different and I’d learn new things.

“The teachers are helpful; they answer your questions and are always there for you when you need it.”

Suzi Amare

“I am so happy because I’ve learned a lot of things. I have confidence and now I want to study more.”

Reshid Adem

“I’m always interested to learn new things – that's what made me start doing the course.”

Find out more about the MST30119 Certificate III in Clothing and Textile Production and our fashion programs, at our courses page.

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