31 October, 2019

Australia is the second largest consumer of textiles in the world with people buying an average of 27 kilograms1 of new clothing and textiles each year and discarding more than 85% of this to landfill. With this in mind, sustainability in fashion production has become integral and TAFE NSW students are championing the cause.

Talented TAFE NSW Kempsey Certificate II and III Applied Fashion Design and Technology students have visited local eco-friendly businesses to expand their knowledge of sustainable fashion practices.

The focus of the excursion was for the students to develop a better understanding of how the skills they are leaning at TAFE NSW are put into practice in the industry.

The students visited a not-for-profit community-based organisation Macleay Options that revives, restores and repurposes clothing and goods, and Jabiru Printing which creates custom apparel, work wear and sportswear.

TAFE NSW Kempsey Teacher Julianne Petterson said “Environmentally sustainable fashion practices are a component of the Applied Fashion Design and Technology courses, so it was a great learning opportunity for students to witness first-hand the different ways fashion can be eco-friendly at a trade level.

The students are gaining practical skills and work experience in a real-world environment and can apply this knowledge to new design projects in the classroom.” Ms Peterson said.

TAFE NSW Applied Fashion Design and Technology student, Margaret Borger said the experience was highly rewarding as the students had the opportunity to talk to the employees at both businesses and listen to their advice about sustainable fashion practices.

“Studying at TAFE NSW is teaching me the practical skills and techniques to create fashion and it was important to me to learn how to incorporate sustainability into that process.

To be able to see in the workplace, what we learning the classroom is really valuable and it makes me feel confident I’ll have the skills to get a job the area I’ve always wanted to work in.”

The community are invited to learn more about studying fashion and design at TAFE NSW Kemspey at their open on 3 December from 1pm-2pm. People can explore the innovative range of course options, meet with award-winning teachers and explore the facilities at TAFE NSW.

For details of the range of courses at TAFE NSW Kempsey, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Janelle Kelly, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner. Mobile: 0417 439 392 or phone 0249 237 784.

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1. https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Products/4655.0.55.002~2013~Main+Features~Chapter+4+Waste?OpenDocument