A Cherrybrook local is proving university is not the only path to success, having joined the fashion industry with the help of TAFE NSW.

24-year-old Minuri Jayasinghe studied a Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology at TAFE NSW Lidcombe after completing a Bachelor's degree in graphic design at university. She now works as a Product Developer at Australian fashion label Alice McCall.

“After graduating from a Bachelor’s degree in Design (Majoring in Graphic Design and Textile Design) in 2019, I realised I wanted to learn about garment design and pursue a career in the fashion industry,” Ms Jayasinghe said.

“I decided to follow my passion and enrolled in the Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology. The course gave me practical skills in pattern-making, design, and sewing, and I also had the opportunity to intern at Romance Was Born.

“The TAFE NSW teachers have industry experience and know-how, so they provided us with an insight into what it would be like in the workplace. I’m now working in design team at Alice McCall, and am really enjoying seeing designs come to life – from the initial inspiration board through to making patterns, sourcing fabrics, and liaising with suppliers.

“It’s great to be putting my new skills to use, and I hope to one day open up my own business designing and making traditional garments including Sri Lankan and Indian saris, sari blouses, and skirts.”

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Fashion, Fiona Lloyd, said the Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology equips students like Minuri with the skills required to get ahead in the fashion industry. 

“As more and more people turn to sustainable or ‘slow fashion’ in order to reduce fashion waste, there is growing demand for people who can create high-quality garments here in Australia, which stand the test of time,” Ms Lloyd said. 

“The Applied Fashion Design and Technology course provides students with the foundations of design and patternmaking, and the creative skills they need to create and market their brands, or work as a fashion design assistant in the industry.  

“Students can also grow their career further and progress to a Diploma in Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising, which can lead to roles in assistant buying, merchandising and production, supply chain management, fashion marketing, and retail planning.” 

Media contact: Emma Woodward, Communications Specialist,  0409 618 291, emma.woodward15@tafensw.edu.au