School

We run accredited fashion and education programs for people from refugee and new migrant backgrounds from our Collingwood Yards headquarters.

Since 2009, we've supported more than 1000 people to learn new skills and explore creative careers through sewing classes, workshops, traineeships and work experience.

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1000+

education and training participants since 2009

80%

students successfully completed their Cert III

75%

of graduates go on to further study or work

Read the impact report

what we offer

  • Cert III

    This two-year, accredited program is delivered on-site at our studio with our education partner RMIT. Students learn how to design and make garments, and prepare for work or future study.

    Find out more

  • Traineeships

    Our 4-6 month traineeship program offers paid training to The Social Studio alumni across our operations.

    Find out more

  • Work experience

    We offer short placements for people from refugee, asylum seeking and new migrant backgrounds through our community, school and university partners.

    Find out more

  • Workshops

    Our Creative Connections workshops encourage creativity as a way to enhance cultural connection, while providing an opportunity for young people aged 16-24 to explore careers in the creative industries in a safe and supportive learning environment.

    Find out more
FAQs

  • To study a Cert III with The Social Studio, you must:

    • Be from a refugee, asylum seeker, or non-English-speaking migrant background

    • Or be eligible to study under the ASVET program (including holders of SHEV, TPV, BVE, subclass 449 or subclass 786 visas)

    • Have, or be able to apply for, a Health Care Card or Pension Card linked to a Centrelink payment before the course states.

    • Have the right to study in Australia

    If you aren't sure, please fill out this Expression of Interest form and one of our team will be in touch.

  • We take on work experience students, depending on our capacity. Please email info@thesocialstudio.org to express your interest.

  • You will learn the fundamentals of clothing construction and working with fabric. You will learn to sew using an industrial sewing machine and will learn basic patternmaking and pattern modification.

  • The Cert III is free for eligible students.

  • Enrolment opens in May and November of each year. Please fill out this Expression of Interest form and one of our team will get back to you ASAP.

  • The Cert III is a part-time program. It runs two days a week, 10am-4pm, Mon-Thurs. Students are also expected to attend fortnightly social sewing classes on Fridays to keep up with their work

  • Possible job pathways are to work in alterations, as a junior garment machinist or in other industrial sewing environments. We also offer paid traineeship opportunities to select graduates.

  • Our study and training options exist to break down barriers to education for refugees, asylum seekers and new migrants. You are welcome to join our public workshops or sign up for RMIT's Cert III program in Brunswick.

Skills for life:

We work with each student to set goals for their future beyond study. Our graduates have gone on to continue their studies, work in industry and run businesses.

Check out student work
The Social Studio is a store, manufacturer and a fashion studio.