Designer
A Fitting Connection

A Fitting Connection is a certified social enterprise business tackling textile waste through creative reuse, upcycling workshops, and community engagement. Student placements are based at the Creative Community Space inside Banyule Nillumbik Tech School and The Fabric ReStore located in East Ivanhoe. During the placement, students will learn about the importance of recovering unwanted textiles and a wide range of sewing and upcycling programs on sustainability and circular economy practices. Their mission is to make sustainable creativity accessible while supporting pathways to employment, particularly for individuals with disabilities and at-risk youth through their ReFELT program. If you are interested in sustainability, social impact, and practical creative skills in a supportive environment, please share this opportunity with your teacher today!

Skills You Might Learn

Whilst on placement, the student will learn skills aligned with their VET studies including:
• Inventory and stock control
• Use of basic machinery (including laser cutter and sewing machines)
• Customer service and communication skills
• Teamwork and time management in a creative retail setting
• Understanding of textile recovery and reuse within a circular economy framework

Transferable skills that students may develop include:
• Initiative and problem solving
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration and interpersonal communication
• Organisational and planning skills
• Sustainability and environmental awareness
• Confidence in a real-world work environment

Typical Tasks & Duties

• Sorting and categorising fabric donations
• Folding and preparing fabric for resale
• Using a laser cutter to create sewing and workshop supplies
• Stocking and organising shelves in The Fabric ReStore
• Assisting customers and providing basic customer service
• Supporting workshop setup and basic material preparation

Student Requirements

Placement ideally suited to students who have an interest and understanding in garment construction, textiles or a circular designed business

On the day to day basis the student will most likely will be working with one other person. So being able to communicate, hold a conversation and show initiative is required.

Dress Requirements

Neat casual (slacks, jeans, no tears or holes in garments – although that will allow us to teach them how to mend)

Include appropriate description here;
- Closed shoes
- Hair tied back (or at least off their face)
- No chipped nail polish

Special Transport Requirements

Greensborough - Venue is close to bus stop
East Ivanhoe - Venue is close to bus stop

Student must organise own transport to work site.