Our Training Program

Fashion as a pathway. Skills for life

We provide free, supportive, and practical training programs in industrial sewing and retail for refugee and new migrant women. Discover how we turn creativity into community and employment into independence.

For many women arriving in Australia, finding a first job can be hindered by systemic barriers, lack of local experience, or language gaps. Our programs are designed to change that. By offering a safe, encouraging, and hands-on learning environment in our Newtown retail store and Marrickville workroom, we help women unlock their existing talents, gain industry relevant skills
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Sewing Programs
Empowering Futures, Stitch by Stitch

At The Social Outfit, our Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Earn & Learn Sewing Programs, delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW, are much more than traditional sewing classes. They offer a dedicated pathway to community connection and genuine Australian workforce readiness for refugee and migrant women. Participants build technical manufacturing skills alongside vital workplace soft skills like teamwork and communication, combining hands-on training with paid work experience.

The program serves as a powerful springboard, opening doors to direct introductions to other employment opportunities, further study, or tailored job readiness pathways.
More about our sewing programs M M o o r r e e   a a b b o o u u t t   o o u u r r   s s e e w w i i n n g g   p p r r o o g g r r a a m m s s
Apply Now/Refer a Participant A A p p p p l l y y   N N o o w w / / R R e e f f e e r r   a a   P P a a r r t t i i c c i i p p a a n n t t
Employ a Refugee E E m m p p l l o o y y   a a   R R e e f f u u g g e e e e
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Retail Program
Retail Readiness, First Steps to First Jobs

Based in our Newtown retail store, our Retail Training Program equips women with the confidence and communication skills needed for the Australian retail sector. Participants gain hands-on experience in point-of-sale systems, customer engagement, and stock management.

Alongside paid work experience, the program features weekly group mentoring sessions focused on setting career goals, building resumes, and navigating the Australian workplace. As the program concludes, we provide a dedicated introduction to employment pathways and industry excursions, working closely with participants to help them confidently step towards their future.
More about our retail programs M M o o r r e e   a a b b o o u u t t   o o u u r r   r r e e t t a a i i l l   p p r r o o g g r r a a m m s s
Apply Now/Refer a Participant A A p p p p l l y y   N N o o w w / / R R e e f f e e r r   a a   P P a a r r t t i i c c i i p p a a n n t t
Employ a Refugee E E m m p p l l o o y y   a a   R R e e f f u u g g e e e e
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Community Print Program
Create The Impact. Wear The Story

Our flagship Community Print Program is a collaborative art and textile design project where refugee and migrant women create original artworks that are developed into textile prints and garments.

The prints are a celebration of creativity, diversity, and connection.

Guided by experienced facilitators, participants express their unique stories and creativity through art. These beautiful contributions are then thoughtfully transformed into covetable textile prints that are featured in our fashion collections.
More about our community print program M M o o r r e e   a a b b o o u u t t   o o u u r r   c c o o m m m m u u n n i i t t y y   p p r r i i n n t t   p p r r o o g g r r a a m m
Apply Now/Refer a Participant A A p p p p l l y y   N N o o w w / / R R e e f f e e r r   a a   P P a a r r t t i i c c i i p p a a n n t t
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+125 jobs created
since
we were founded
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2m+ wages paid to
learn on the job
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1,350+ trained
in sewing or retail
Make a Donation

Donors have been instrumental in driving our impact over the years, and without it, The Social Outfit could not have made the difference to so many women's lives. Your financial contributions and support continue to change lives.
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