A VET outbound mobility program at New York Fashion week: problems and opportunities

This research explores the experience eight students from Victoria University had during a vocational education and training outbound mobility project. The intent of an outbound mobility project is for students to undertake study, research and professional development to increase their skills and gain international experience while working at a high level. The students, four hairdressers and four make-up artists, undertook advanced training in Australia and then spent nine days working with or observing experienced professionals working behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week. Opportunities to work behind the scenes at one of the world's largest fashion events are rare. Students who graduate with recognised training qualifications and experience applying their skills in an internationally-recognised fashion forum are highly sought after by employers. The qualitative research approach sought to triangulate information sources to explore learner, teacher and industry perceptions of the experience. This paper explores two questions: What did Australian students involved in international [work integrated learning] WIL gain from their learning experience? And, how can their experiences inform future programs? The study found that the students had a marvelous experience, but this can be marred if the program is not organised and administered well.

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