12 March 2019

Casino’s newly appointed and highly experienced TAFE NSW Fashion Design Teacher, Jacqueline Damon, is encouraging others to consider a career in fashion design as newly released figures reveal a high demand for skilled creative designers in the Northern Rivers.

According to research by Australia’s leading training provider, TAFE NSW, the Northern Rivers ranks the highest creative industries cluster in NSW behind Sydney, with around 8,960 workers employed in this industry. The Australian Government Job Outlook also suggests there are likely to be around 4,000 job openings for fashion, industrial and jewellery designers over the next five years Australia-wide.

Now is the perfect time to be turning your rough sketches into a reality by studying a Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design and Technology at TAFE NSW Casino.

Ms Damon, who brings more than 30 years of experience in the fashion design industry, said she was excited to be working with TAFE NSW students to encourage them to embrace their skills with the latest industry trends.

“Fashion design is such a fascinating and complex industry as it combines different skills and techniques,” Ms Damon said.

“I’m so humbled to be taking over from previous teacher and industry leader, Jean Ward, who was instrumental in setting up the fashion design course 30 years ago at TAFE NSW Casino and shared her love of fashion with students.

“It’s fantastic to have a TAFE NSW course in Casino which is accessible to those in the Northern Rivers as many regional areas have to travel to metropolitan areas to study their passion

“Fashion design is really thriving in the region. You only have to walk through Byron Bay or Bangalow to see the number of boutiques that are opening up with the latest fashion designs, who are not only selling locally but also world-wide.

“Students will learn foundational skills in design which will allow them to decide whether a career in design is suited to them. The course will also provide a pathway to studying a Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology two days per week at TAFE NSW Casino.

“The Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design and Technology caters to all abilities, covering a broad range of design and make skills that are imperative in the industry. It will also give students the confidence and the hands-on job-ready skills to apply for entry-level roles at fashion design labels or create their own designs to sell.”

To find out more about fashion design courses available at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Kristy Sheppard, TAFE NSW Media & Communications Business Partner, 4923 7784 or 0407 450 860.