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Design Assistant

A Design Assistant supports fashion designers in producing garments, collaborates on designs, prepares fabrics, and constructs samples, requiring strong communication and attention to detail.

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.

Related career opportunities

Browse occupations related to Design Assistant.

Common questions

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.

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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

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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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Further reading

How to start a Career in Human-Centred Design

21st October 2024

How to start a career as a Personal Assistant

2nd December 2021

Most popular design courses

30th May 2022

Design Assistant careers

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.