TAFE SA’s fashion business courses are putting our state on the runway.
South Australian’s are in a unique position to achieve the dream of pursuing a flourishing fashion career.
We’re the birthplace and home of some of Australia’s most beloved designers, from Acler to Paolo Sebastian. Toss in the fact that now you can access a top-notch local higher education qualification in fashion, and you’ve got a pattern for success. That’s what Kelly Docking learned when she decided a career change was in the air and enrolled at TAFE SA. After stints in a business degree at university, and as a qualified hairdresser, Kelly is now pursuing a career in fashion.
“Recently, I decided that moving into the fashion business world was the next step for me in my career,” Kelly explained. “The [TAFE SA Fashion Styling Short Course] allowed me to have some insight into what skills are required to work in the fashion industry and sparked an interest in me that this was the direction I wanted to work in next.”
The short course was enough for Kelly to know that she wanted to pursue fashion as a career and presented her with the skills and networking opportunities needed to succeed. Kelly has already jumped at her next TAFE SA opportunity and enrolled in the new Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (Fashion Business) (MST60119).
Sonia Fragnito’s journey in fashion took her from retail to a coveted position at one of South Australia’s best-known fashion brands, Acler. Beginning a Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology (MST30819) at TAFE SA Sonia quickly decided fashion was her future. When the pathway to a Flinders University degree in Creative Arts (Fashion) became available she jumped at it.
“The TAFE SA course [provides] what students need to learn to be successful in the industry and adapt to how the industry is constantly changing,” Sonia noted while discussing the collaborative nature of her studies. “Studying at TAFE SA gave me the skills and confidence I needed to apply for internships and jobs. The course I studied was broad and we were challenged to motivate ourselves to hone in on what we love.”
To find out more, visit tafesa.edu.au/fashion or email busarts@tafesa.edu.au
Words Grace Marryat
Photography Jaz Anderson and Juan Van Staden
South Australian Style Magazine 