Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Fashion & Textiles

Delivering the fashion and textile jobs of the future.

About the Centre

Two of Australia’s leading educators in fashion, textiles and digital technology – TAFE NSW and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – have come together to create a Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Fashion & Textiles. Supported by a grant from the NSW Department of Education, the Centre has a mission to grow the capacity of the Australian fashion industry for a sustainable future.

At the Centre of Excellence, we’re transitioning the Australian fashion sector toward sustainability and Industry 4.0.

Career forecasts in the fashion and textiles sector predict a seismic shift in the way clothing is produced and circulated. The revolutions taking place around sustainability and the digitalisation of fashion will dominate future roles in the industry. According to FT alliance, the most in-demand roles will include:

Sustainable fashion designers
Sustainability and CSR managers
3D designers, modellers and pattern makers
Zero waste designers
Textile and product designers and engineers
AR/VR experts
Closed-loop designers and engineers
Re-commerce platform leads

The Centre of Excellence will educate fashion and textile professionals for the jobs of the future. We will hold ethics and integrity at our core while integrating cutting-edge technology alongside sustainability best-practice, challenging the ways we currently think about fashion and textile design and production.

Person standing on wall obscured by white material in shape of a cloud, seen against a blue sky

Intro to Fashion & Sustainability

As part of our mission to transition the Australian fashion industry into the future, we've created this unique six-week course. Intro to Fashion & Sustainability gives you the learnings and tools you need to drive fashion sustainability for your business or organisation.

Find out more about Intro to Fashion & Sustainability

Focus areas

To support the transition to a sustainable Australian fashion and textiles industry, the Centre will focus on, knowledge sharing, networking, innovation, advocacy and research.

This transformation can only occur with involvement and leadership from the fashion and textiles industry. Email us today to find out how you can be involved in shaping the future of Australian fashion.

Knowledge sharing

Knowledge exchange from those working in the industry will also be essential to ensure the skills of the future can be taught to the students of today.

The Centre will offer education and training to support the industry’s sustainable transition through collaborative programs between TAFE NSW and UTS.

Starting in 2022, TAFE NSW and UTS will also work together to offer a new Diploma of Fashion and Sustainability. (Students enter this diploma with UTS upon completion of the TAFE NSW Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainable Practice.)

Pathway from TAFE undergrad certificate to diploma to UTS Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles

Networking

Our future depends on true collaboration and kinship, and spaces that support the coming together of ideas and experiences. The Centre will facilitate networks between the industry and its future employees, as well as educators, government, and others working in the sustainability sphere to support a sustainable future for the fashion and textiles industry.

Innovation

The Centre will focus on advanced manufacturing techniques that are good for the industry, good for workers, and good for the planet. The latest advances in fabrication, cutting, and production will be an essential component to supporting a strong and sustainable industry. The Centre will help facilitate training and access, offering guidance and research opportunities.

Advocacy

The Centre of Excellence will be a source of expertise for sustainable fashion and textiles. Its work will inform public debate, and its experts can advise on policy best practice. The Centre will advocate for evidence-based climate targets, and remain a trusted, independent authority on sustainable fashion and textiles.

Research

Research for and with industry is essential for creating a sustainable fashion future. The Centre will actively engage with industry to complete research that is timely and transformative.