Budding design entrepreneurs take note – the number of Australians working as interior designers has boomed over the past five years and this uplift is expected to be echoed for another five to come.

TAFE NSW Kingscliff is preparing to deliver a pipeline of skilled interior designers to meet this demand with the soon-to-commence Certificate IV in Interior Decoration. Enrolments are filling up for the eight month course which will commence on 27 April.

The Australian Government Job Outlook found the number of interior designers ‘grew very strongly’ between 2015 and 2020 and it predicts there will be around 7,000 job openings in the years to 2023.[i]

The highly positive employment outlook was music to the ears of real estate agent-turned-interior-designer Vanessa Luff, when she made the decision to switch career direction by commencing a Certificate IV Interior Design and Decoration.

Upon graduation from TAFE NSW in 2017, Ms Luff established her own business, Wild Rabbit Interiors where she works with clients to bring their styling visions to life.

“I have always had a genuine passion for interior design. I feel very fortunate that I had the confidence to follow my dream.

“I assumed that I would have to travel to the Gold Coast to undertake this level of training, but having the course available at TAFE NSW Kingscliff meant I could learn the skills I needed in the market which I was planning on starting my business in.”

The Tweed Coast building industry is booming, and there is an expected population growth of more than 38% over the next twenty years to reach a forecasted population of approximately 126,000 by 2036. There are a number of major residential projects either planned or under construction to cater for this growth.[ii]

“The increase in population has seen an increase in demand for interior styling. People understand that their homes are their biggest asset and it’s my job to help them update, refresh and rejuvenate their home styling,” said Ms Luff.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher, Sandra Guy said the course delivery includes a mixture of hands-on components combined with industry knowledge, in order to give students the practical skills they need to get a job or open their own business.

“We’re seeing so many talented students walk through the doors at TAFE NSW.

Interior design is a real growth industry and a fashionable occupation with plenty of dynamic job prospects and growth. TAFE NSW recognises this is now a high-demand skill locally, and is stepping up to meet the need.”

Students have the opportunity to work with interior designers to gain an insight into their roles and to network for future employment opportunities. 

For more information about the Certificate IV in Interior Design, please visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au