Fashion Designer (VIC)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

To become a fashion designer you usually have to complete a VET qualification in applied fashion design and technology or fashion and textile design. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a fashion designer by completing a degree in fashion design or fashion and textiles. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your VCE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, visual arts and design are normally required. Applicants may be required to attend an interview, address selection criteria or submit a portfolio of their work. A number of institutions in Australia offer degrees in fashion design or fashion and textiles. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design and Technology *
  2. Certificate II in Fashion Visualisation
  3. Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology *
  4. Certificate IV in Applied Fashion Design and Technology *
  5. Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology *
  6. Diploma of Fashion and Textiles Merchandising
  7. Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology *
  8. Associate Degree in Fashion and Textile Merchandising
  9. Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Technology
  10. Bachelor of Applied Science - Fashion Technology
  11. Bachelor of Design *
  12. Bachelor of Design - Fashion
  13. Bachelor of Design Arts
  14. Bachelor of Fashion
  15. Bachelor of Fashion - Apparel Engineering and Design
  16. Bachelor of Fashion and Business

Employment Opportunities:

Fashion designers work for manufacturing houses (designing ready-to-wear clothing), for small businesses (designing one-off garments) or for retailers (selling directly to the public). They tend to specialise in one area, such as menswear, children's wear, knitwear or lingerie.

Opportunities also exist for specialist work in an established business as a designer, cutter, patternmaker/grader, sample machinist, general machinist or subcontractor. Fashion designers may also become trainers in the industry.

The fashion industry is highly competitive and success depends on talent and determination. Vacancies are extremely limited for trainees wanting to work their way up to fashion designing. Some employers promote employees who have gained practical experience in the industry.

A limited number of vacancies for qualified and experienced designers exist in both large fashion companies and smaller clothing manufacturing firms. Most vacancies occur in large capital cities, especially Sydney and Melbourne. Some opportunities exist for talented and experienced designers to work on a freelance basis.

For Further Information:

Australian Fashion Council

(03) 8680 9400
www.australianfashioncouncil.com

Australian Industry Group

www.zoomplus.aigroup.asn.au

Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia

(03) 8680 9400
www.tfia.com.au

Manufacturing Skills Australia

www.makeit.net.au

Information for other states and territories: