The Social Outfit is a fashion label with a difference. We offer sewing and retail training programs for women from refugee backgrounds and new migrant communities. Our programs support social wellbeing, skills development and pathways to employment in the fashion industry.
We deliver a variety of
sewing, arts and craft
classes for women and
young people from
refugee and CALD
migrant communities.
Our professional sewing
programs, delivered in our
Marrickville workroom,
will take your skills and
confidence to the next
level, on the path to work.
We offer "Earn & Learn"
paid work experience in
sewing, plus a paid Retail
Training Program for
refugee youth (18-29) and
contract employment.
To help you find the programs that are right for you, please select the statement that best descibes your situation.
Our Community Engagement Programs are best for you!
These entry-level classes focus on hand sewing, basic machine sewing, arts and crafts. You will get to practice your English whilst being creative, learning new skills, meeting new friends and having fun!
Our Community Engagement Programs are delivered in partnership with other community services and they are most often held in Western Sydney during school terms.
Industrial Sewing Training is best for you!
These classes are delivered on an industrial sewing machine and usually run for 1 day per week for 8-10 weeks in The Social Outfit's workroom in Marrickville (a short walk from Sydenham station).
To join our Industrial Sewing Training program you must have strong sewing skills on a domestic sewing machine or some basic experience on an industrial machine.
Earn and Learn Sewing Programs are best for you!
These classes are designed to offer paid work experience for newly arrived refuge and CALD migrant women. You will be paid the Australian textile award rate to learn how to make items that will be sold through The Social Outfit store.
We usually run two Earn and Learn programs each year in collaboration with leading artists, fashion designers or brands.
Our Retail Training Program is best for you!
This program offers 12 weeks of paid work experience in The Social Outfit's retail store in Newtown, Sydney.
In addition to your shifts, you will complete our 12 module online retail training, job readiness training, industry excursions, and have the support of a mentor to support you in gaining ongoing employment after you graduate from the program.
Download The Social Outfit Programs flyer here to share with your clients, friends, and co-workers or on your community noticeboard.
Want to explore a collaboration with The Social Outfit?
We regularly partner with aligned non-profits, community organisations, the fashion industry, TAFE and other social enterprises to deliver our community engagement and training programs. This strengthens outcomes, wrap-around supports and avoids service duplication.
If you'd like to chat about collaboration please contact ceo@thesocialoutfit.org
