Acler, in conjunction with TAFE SA, is seeking expressions of interest for a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fashion Scholarship
The Adelaide fashion house behind leading brands Acler and Significant Other is joining with TAFE SA to launch an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fashion Scholarship for 2023 and is calling for expressions of interest.
The scholarship provides an amazing opportunity for an enthusiastic and talented Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian to begin their career in fashion.
The successful applicant will have their course fees covered for the Certificate III in Fashion or the Advanced Diploma of Fashion at TAFE SA’s City Campus and receive mentoring/internship with the Acler team based in their head office in Adelaide.
Founded by Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto, Acler is a highly successful Adelaide fashion label creating beautiful garments featuring meticulous design and construction for the Australian and international market.
Acler’s CEO Julia Sumner says the scholarship is a wonderful way for the business to support emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers.
“Reconciliation is a meaningful and necessary pillar in our Australian business. We recognise the huge inequality within the educational, health and employment outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and it’s why we are working towards creating considered employment pathways,” Julia says.
“Funding this scholarship allows us an opportunity to support such a pathway in the often-challenging fashion landscape.
“We know this can be a difficult industry to ‘get your foot in the door’ especially here in Adelaide.
“We’re looking for individuals with the desire, dedication, and passion to work in the fast-paced world of fashion design or emerging designers who want to work in fashion design and product development.
“We have a long-term view to support the recipient of this scholarship via mentorship and in-house ‘on the ground’ learning.”
TAFE SA’s Helen Jansson, Principal Lecturer Fashion, Costume and Textiles, says the scholarship will provide participants with an excellent foundation in fashion.
“Our courses deliver practical, hands-on skills and combined with mentoring from the team at Acler, the scholarship recipient will develop skills and knowledge, insights into the industry and valuable experience,” she says.
“TAFE SA is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we think this scholarship is a great way to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in the fashion industry.”
TAFE SA’s Aboriginal Access Centre provides support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking training at TAFE SA sites and this can include a training support officer or tutor.
Information sessions will be held at TAFE SA’s Adelaide City Campus (ground floor, room DG09) on Thursday, November 3, at 4.30pm and 6.30pm.
For more information or to register your interest in the scholarship, please contact Helen Jansson (phone (08) 8207 8480).
Expressions of interest close on Friday, November 11. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to take part in an interview.