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A Design Assistant works for a fashion designer or for a fashion label to help produce garments and collections. You’ll collaborate with designers and customers to assist with the production process, from initial designs to creating samples and developing the end product. You might have to work with sketches and briefs to prepare fabric and patterns or you might construct sample pieces and make alterations as needed.
A Design Assistant should be able to interpret designs and follow directions. You’ll need good communication skills because you’ll have to liaise with designers, customers, models and production workers. A Design Assistant should be able to work in a team and be organised with their time. It’s important that you are aware of current and future trends and have strong attention to detail.
There are 7 courses available for people who want to become a Design Assistant. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The CUA41320 Certificate IV in Visual Arts is an exciting 1 year course for anyone wanting to bring their creative interests to a professional level. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you the history and theory of visual arts while developing your techniques as an artist in drawing, sculpture, wood objects and 3D digital design. Graduate with a completed project ready for exhibition. Enquire now for the list of study units and instructions for enrolment..
Average duration: 12 months.
Become a TCF design assistant or product developer with the MST50119 Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising. This nationally recognised qualification delivers a mix of skills in fashion design, product development, fashion business, and marketing. The course covers: quality standards, identifying suitable fibres and fabrics, understanding fabric performance and handling, interacting and networking with fashion industry identities, TCF computing technologies, analysing fit models, contour draping, fashion illustrations. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, graduation outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates..
Explore the visual arts and develop real artistry skills with the Certificate II in Visual Arts (CUA20720). Whether for work or personal interest, this nationally recognised training course will have you painting, drawing, and printmaking at a professional level. The course teaches basic drawing techniques and how to follow a design process — you’ll graduate with a solid creative practice and a group of completed projects you can be proud of. Enquire now for the list of training dates and opportunities for enrolment..
Average duration: 6 months.
Get started in the fashion industry with a Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design and Technology (MST20616). In this nationally recognised qualification you’ll be drawing and interpreting basic sketches, using a sewing machine for fashion design, as well as modifying patterns to create basic styles. Completed on-campus over 1 year you’ll graduate ready to assist a chief fashion designer or milliner. Enquire now for the full course brochure, eligibility for government subsidies, and a list of training centres..
Work alongside a professional photographer or just indulge your personal creativity and love of photography with the CUA31120 Certificate III in Visual Arts. This nationally recognised training course will help you develop a creative arts practice and teach you how to produce commercial grade photographs. Over 6 months you will be: exploring the use of colour, extending your critical thinking skills, producing digital images, producing prints, using wet darkroom techniques to produce monochrome photographs. Enquire now for the list of training centres and study dates..
In Australia, a full time Design Assistant generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The fashion industry has seen stable job growth in Australia over the last five years. There are currently 3,500 people employed in this industry and many of them work as a Design Assistant. Design Assistants will generally find work in larger towns and cities where fashion companies are located.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
A Certificate II or III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology is a great way to start a career as a Design Assistant. These courses cover a range of topics relevant to the fashion industry such as working with fibres and textiles, creating and using patterns, preparing sketches and producing fashion garments. You could also consider a Certificate II or III in Visual Arts.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within fashion. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Fashion
Design Assistant
$960 weekly pay
Fashion Design Assistant
Milliner Assistant
Fashion Designer
$1,150 weekly pay
Learn more about Design Assistant courses in your area.