Stitch Ahead Programme:
Sewing Skills
Business Minds
Original Designs
Real Futures
Stitch Ahead Sewing Programme
A SETA-accredited, four-month course that turns creativity into a career.
The Stitch Ahead Programme is a SETA-accredited, four-month course is designed for youth aged 18 to 35, who want to break into the garment manufacturing, textile and fabric industry as entrepreneurs or job seekers.
Students gain practical experience in industrial sewing techniques, garment construction, and quality control while learning to interpret basic patterns for standard products.
During the Incubation Lab which is the final month of the project, students have the opportunity to marry their technical proficiency with their personal creativity and they develop a sample range of products which are revealed at the Expo Graduation. We have not had an Expo Graduation yet where students didn’t make their first sale on the day of this newly strategised and reimagined project.
What Our Students Learn
Students gain practical experience in industrial sewing techniques, garment construction, and quality control, while learning to interpret basic patterns for standard products. In the final incubation phase, they are encouraged to develop and design their own creations, fostering creativity and entrepreneurial thinking that can turn a skill into a sustainable career.
Industrial Sewing Techniques
Students gain hands-on practical experience in industrial sewing techniques, the foundation of every career in the textile and fabric industries.
Garment Construction and Quality Control
From cutting to finishing, students learn garment construction and quality control, ensuring every piece they produce meets industry standards.
Pattern Interpretation
Students learn to interpret basic patterns for standard products, a core skill for anyone working in textile production or design.
Design and Entrepreneurial Thinking
In the final incubation phase, students step beyond the machine and into their own creative voice, developing and designing their own original creations, fostering the creativity and entrepreneurial thinking needed to build a sustainable career or business in the textile sector.
How To Apply.
Entrance Requirements
To be considered for the Stitch Ahead Programme, applicants must complete the following
A two-hour Literacy and Numeracy Test
Participation in Life
Skills training
Selection through a final evaluation interview
Support for future entrepeneurs
Graduates leave with a strong foundation for employment or entrepreneurship in the textile sector.
Throughout the programme, students gain hands-on experience in the following:
- Demonstrate an understanding of using commercial sewing patterns.
- Demonstrate competency in the construction of a minimum of two different garments using a lockstitch sewing machine and in doing so cut, sew finish and inspect the final garment to learn quality control.
- Demonstrate an understanding of entrepreneurship and develop these qualities learning about social media platforms which aid with marketing.
- Learn how to set up a clothing alteration business.
- Understand the principles of supply and demand and the concept of production in the CMT methodology.
- Comply with Industry standards regulating quality control.
- Comply with practices of finishing and storing garments.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how to participate effectively in the workplace.
- Determine customer needs.
- Negotiate price and delivery requirements.
After Graduation:
Employment
Entrepreneurship
Confidence
Independence
Purpose.
Graduates leave the Stitch Ahead Programme with a strong foundation for employment or entrepreneurship in the textile sector. Their journey ends and begins with a fashion show and graduation ceremony where they proudly showcase their original designs to their loved ones, their community, and the Salesian Institute Youth Projects team. It is not just a celebration. It is proof of everything they have achieved.