Design Assistant Courses
A Design Assistant supports fashion designers in producing garments, collaborates on designs, prepares fabrics, and constructs samples, requiring strong communication and attention to detail.
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AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Design Assistant
Get qualified to work as a Design Assistant with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
MST50119
Estimated fee
From $18,000
Duration
12 months - 24 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 drap...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $18,000
Duration
12 months - 24 months
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MST20616
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.
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CUA30720
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The CUA30720 Certificate III in Design Fundamentals will boost your career in photography, graphic design, and desktop publishing. Over 6 months you will learn the fundamentals of colour, drawing, digital imagery and the production of 2D and 3D images — graduating with a nationally recognised qualification and ready to work in a photography or design role. Enquire now to discuss your study options.
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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RIISS00056
The RIISS00056 Traffic Management Designer Skill Set provides the skills and knowledge needed to develop traffic management plans and traffic guidance schemes, perform preliminary risk assessments of temporary traffic management sites, and design these plans. It does not qualify participants to control traffic with a stop/slow bat, or boom gate, or set up work with traffic control plans. It is suited to experienced traffic control/management operators.
Enquire now for a full list of entry requirements and...
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Common questions
How much does a Design Assistant earn?
In Australia, a full time Design Assistant generally earns $1,175 per week ($61,100 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.
What are the job opportunities for a Design Assistant?
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
How do I become a Design Assistant?
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.
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More information
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.
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