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Are you one of the future fashionistas of our time? If you have an eye for style, a creative flair for visuals and a dream to work in the world of fashion, this advanced fashion business course will give you the job ready skills to make your mark in the industry.
SM TAFE has produced some of the most talented stylists, textile, clothing and visual merchandiser designers in Australia, and you can be guided by our expert team of lecturers who are fashion industry specialists, with strong employment connections to the local and international fashion scene. Learn creative business skills such as fashion forecasting and buying; visual merchandising and digital engagement; and marketing and social media.
With your skillset you will graduate industry ready to work locally and overseas in fashion design, fashion production management, sourcing and buying, fashion event management, marketing and more – you could even own your label or become a social influencer in the fashion field.
Take your creative expression to the next level and cultivate your career in fashion; this is your opportunity to join a fast-paced and timeless industry that can take you on an exciting journey on a local or global scale.
To learn more about our award-winning students, fashion events and masterpieces, visit Fashion at SM TAFE on Facebook(opens in a new tab) and Instagram(opens in a new tab) .
Study in specialised facilities
Fashion at Bentley campus has been Perth’s leading fashion design institution for over 50 years. With over 80 specialised industrial sewing machines and state-of-the-art digital equipment to master your skills, you can learn in simulated workplace design studios that represent a real-life work setting. Our courses also include live work design projects where students are involved in producing external design exhibits and Australia-wide fashion shows, meeting guest lecturers and industry excursions.
This course also includes an industry work placement which increases graduate employment outcomes and opportunities, and students can expect to gain employment in local, national and international fashion environments.
- international fashion sourcing
- display and marketing techniques
- sustainable supply and manufacturing
- creation of accurate costings
- tech packs for managing offshore production
In order to make an informed choice about the suitability of this course, you must take into account the essential skills and knowledge required to undertake this study.
- ability to strictly follow workplace safety standards
- an eye for detail and a creative flair
- good hand-eye coordination
- good time management and the ability to work with tight deadlines
- good communication skills
This course is a VET Student Loan eligible course. A VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth and is only available to students who are eligible.
To find out if you are eligible or to see the list of eligible courses visit our Student Loans page.
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| Completion of WACE General or ATAR (Minimum C Grades) or equivalent | Completion of WACE General or ATAR or equivalent (minimum C Grades) | Certificate III |
Attendance in class
This course is equivalent to 3.5 days per week when studied full time across two semesters.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 4 hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Work placement
For July-starting students, the third semester of training includes an off-campus 30 hour industry placement, arranged by SM TAFE. For February-starting students, this work placement is in the second semester of training. Completing the Certificate IV is mandatory for completion of this work placement. Work placement attendance is 1-2 days per week during the program or in a block of weeks at the end of the program depending on the host employer and availability.
What you need for your first day of class
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, stationery (a pen and notepad and wear enclosed footwear and equipment from orientation booklet lists).
Uniforms and workwear requirements: No uniform required, however wear closed in shoes and have hair tied back during construction classes.
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
SM TAFE actively promotes the employment availability of course graduates to key industry partners and organisations. We also seek expressions of interest from organisations for the placement of our students into work experience. We endeavour to assist students into a career pathway, but please be aware that neither employment nor work experience placement is guaranteed by us.
To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.
When you complete the Diploma in Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (Business and Merchandising Pathway) at Bentley, you’re ready to work as an Assistant Buyer, Assistant Visual Merchandiser; Social Media Creator; Assistant Product Developer; Fashion Influencer/Stylist; or Fashion Business Owner in retail or e-commerce.
Become a specialist in your field with university study
The information about university credit points and tuition costs provides a general guide only. SM TAFE recommends students discuss credit points with the university or college of their choice at the time of graduation.
Select your preferred campus and apply
Click on your preferred campus and study mode below to get started with your application.
Semester 1, 2023
Bentley - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 2 Semesters |
| When | Semester 1, 2023 |
| Where | Bentley |
| How | On Campus |
Bentley - Part time - On Campus
| Duration | 4 Semesters |
| When | Semester 1, 2023 |
| Where | Bentley |
| How | On Campus |
Semester 2, 2023
Bentley - Part time - On Campus
| Duration | 4 Semesters |
| When | Semester 2, 2023 |
| Where | Bentley |
| How | On Campus |