Students have tight budget in mind for careers fashion show

FROM the classroom to the boardroom was the message for Swindon College students on Thursday as they took to the catwalk for their annual fashion showcase.

The ‘Dress to Impress - fashion show on a budget’ saw students from business, IT and beauty courses given £25 to hit the shops and source an outfit suitable for a job interview.

Jo Kelly, student services manager, said: “It helps them to learn what is suitable for a professional environment and gets them used to wearing the clothes.

“It’s the third year that we’ve put on the show and they always really enjoy it, this week is National Careers Week and it’s definitely a highlight.”

A number of the participants this year have additional learning needs such as autism and the experience of getting up on the catwalk and presenting themselves to an audience served as a valuable confidence boosting experience.

The first place prize was another £25, this time in high street vouchers - the contest was judged by representatives from Business First and Red Recruitment alongside college principal Andrew Miller.

The computing students had high hopes of ending a two year winning streak by the business department but unfortunately they fell short, coming in third place with a valiant effort by Stefan Woodward. Stefan hopes to become an engineer and his outfit was chosen with an interview with GWR in mind – he made the most of the Asda bargains putting together a suit combination for only £24.

His IT lecturer Hannah Sage was particularly proud of her students accomplishments. She said: “This is the first year that IT have taken part, we discussed some options and had a look at the Asda catalogue online and Stefan has really taken that on board.

“Our youngest student is 16 so for them to get the chance was great.”

The runner-up prize went to Sabina Begum, 18, from Old Walcot – she aspires to be a bank manager and made her pennies stretch impressively far by picking up a smart jacket, trousers and top from Dorothy Perkins for only £23.50.

Sabina said: “I got involved originally because my lecturer encouraged me to do it but it has been great fun.

“It gave me experience with how I would have to dress if I was to get an interview in the business world for real.”

The fashion show crown went to Level 3 Business student Toby Jamie, 17, from Wanborough.

Toby is looking for a career in marketing and went for a snappy jacket and trouser look – he picked up his shirt, belt and trousers from Primark for £20 and paired them with the jacket and tie from his school prom.

He said: “It was a great opportunity to get some professional looking dress and to know what it feels like to look the part.

“I’ll probably spend my prize money on buying some more clothesw.”

Business and IT lecturer Andrew Paterson said: “I always encourage the students to get involved, it’s a good opportunity for them. As part of their course they will be doing a project where they have to brief investors soon and this will help with that.”

In addition to the show, Careers Week saw the opening of a new ‘employability zone’ at the college where students can search for jobs and get CV tips.