Industry ready: Sarah Blair helped to write EIT’s exciting new fashion programme.

Launch of EIT’s new fashion diploma.

New Zealand’s fashion industry has changed, and EIT Tairāwhiti fashion lecturer Sarah Blair has helped design a whole new programme that could give graduates a front row seat.

New technology has reduced manufacturing jobs in New Zealand’s fashion industry, changing the type of graduate required for the workforce.

“For the past 20 years, the focus has been on machinists and garment output, whereas now students need wider skills to be work-ready. Many skills are computer-based – technical drawing for specification packages, quality control, buying and selling and even for designing garments.

“Our future graduates will still be confident on the machines and this shouldn’t be lost, but there is additional focus on other areas of expertise, which is where the money and career opportunities are in New Zealand.”

Development of new programmes followed a targeted review process of qualifications in the creative sector, and EIT wanted to be first and best in developing programmes aligned with new national qualifications set by NZQA.

“We undertook extensive research in the local industry here and in Hawke’s Bay. Employers are looking for something at a higher level to get students industry-ready.”

In response to industry demand, the programme is offering changes from the EIT Certificate in Fashion Apparel (Level 3) to the New Zealand Diploma in Fashion (Level 5).

“We are looking for high school leavers and people wanting to change career who have the academic ability to transfer into this programme.”

As a diploma, there will be a different structure and learning will be project-based. 

“Instead of juggling four hand-ins for four teachers, you will be working on one project at a time and each project builds on knowledge gained from the last. This is a good reflection of what students could expect working in the fashion industry.”

“When I went to uni it was in classes of 45-60 students with only one teacher, whereas in Gisborne it is generally 10-16 to one teacher. There is so much more productivity when you are not fighting for attention. There are also financial benefits from studying at EIT Tairāwhiti with lower living costs and possible first-year scholarships.”

To learn more about the New Zealand Diploma in Fashion (Level 5) Contact Sarah at sblair@eit.ac.nz. Phone 869 0810 ext 7884 to secure tickets to the launch at 6pm on Friday, 4 November.