Maitland’s amateur theatre costume designer, Kadisha Patterson has moved from the back of stage into the classroom to sew herself a career in fashion.

Kadisha was inspired by the successful wardrobe and costume team at Maitland Repertory Theatre to sharpen her skills in pattern making and has completed a Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising at TAFE NSW Newcastle.

“I was doing a lot of sewing and pattern making but I had none of the techniques or knowledge of industry standards which the TAFE NSW expert teachers have now equipped me with. I really wanted to get better and further my chances of getting into the industry,” she said.

The textiles, clothing and footwear IRC’s 2019 Skills Forecast identified industrial sewing, and advanced clothing production and garment alterations as a top priority industry and occupation skill for the sector.[1]

TAFE NSW Head Teacher Anna Bleakley said TAFE NSW students learn to work with manufacturers, providing the specific detail required to replicate their designs.

“Career opportunities in the industry vary widely across the design and manufacturing process with businesses ranging from sole proprietors through to small boutiques and alteration specialists through to large scale manufacturing.

“TAFE NSW students complete real projects researching businesses and refining practical job-ready skills to get their start in the textiles, clothing and footwear industry,” Ms Bleakley said

Kadisha said she has loved her experience with TAFE NSW from day one and has improved her skills dramatically particularly in pattern making, sewing and how to make high quality garments.

She is now focused on securing employment as well as getting back to the theatre for the 2021 season to continue creating more lively costumes for the stage.

To find out more about how TAFE NSW provides the skills for a career in fashion visit www.tafensw.edu.au, or call 131 601.

Media contact: Andrew Woodcock, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, mobile 0409 324 379