Did you know that Stage One of the state-of-the-art TAFE Queensland’s DesignTech Precinct in Mt Gravatt has officially opened?
The $1.5-million fashion design hub was opened by Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman last 10 October 2019. The new DesignTech Precinct, which currently trains 120 students, will help shape the future of fashion in Queensland, Ms Fentiman said.
“With more than 6,000 fashion, industrial and jewellery designers in Queensland, growing our fashion industry is crucial to the state’s economy and job creation,” she said.
Stage One involved the construction of a new public entry and reception area, refurbishment of a contemporary-style gallery exhibition space, and a fit-out of the garment maintenance and repair room.
Another $15 million will be invested at the Mt Gravatt campus, Ms Fentiman said, including the $5.1 million that will be allocated for the Stage Two of the DesignTech Precinct, which will begin in early 2020.
“The $15 million investment includes $4.4 million to improve the campus experience including upgrading of the cafeteria, new signage, improved lighting for pedestrian thoroughfares and main car park and the relocation of campus security and installation of CCTV,’’ Ms Fentiman said.
The opening of the new precinct will bring the number of fashion study options at the Mt Gravatt campus to four: the three-year Bachelor of Applied Fashion, the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising, Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising and the Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design Technology.
“It’s great to see there was an increase of 35% in Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology enrolments in 2018/19,” Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan said.
“And Mt Gravatt campus is home to 15 international students undertaking Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising and Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising.”
Two of TAFE Queensland’s notable past students who made a mark in the fashion industry are Lorna Jane Clarkson — creator of activewear for women brand, Lorna Jane — and Bianca Whyte, who is the co-founder and creative director of Whyte Studio label and former design assistant for the Kardashian Collection.
