INTERNATIONAL organisation Dress for Success is set to launch its first Hobart branch to help Tasmanian women get the job.
The organisation will work with women who may need a little bit of help in securing the right outfit to get the right job.
The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
The business case for the Hobart affiliate was developed by a group of Tasmanian leaders from a range of backgrounds during the 2016 Tasmanian Leaders Program.
Tasmanian Leaders program chair Ginna Webster said the launch of Dress for Success Hobart demonstrates the group’s commitment to a community project, which is a key component of the leadership program.
“The projects are designed to reinforce and develop program learning as well as make a positive difference in the Tasmanian community,” Ms Webster said.
Dress for Success operates in more than 120 countries worldwide and has helped thousands of Australian women every year by providing one-on-one mentoring with skilled volunteers who advise them on the most appropriate work-attire and provide interview and career counselling.
Clients are given a complete outfit including clothes, shoes, bag and accessories for employment interview and/or their first day on the job.
The group of Tasmanian leaders who have developed the program includes Amanda French from Relationships Australia Tasmania, Donna Brown from Hydro Tasmania, Jeffrey Harper from Tasmanian Fire Service, Louise Bishop from Zinfra, Michael Giudici from Land Tasmania and Robin Barnes from the University of Tasmania.
Tasmanian Council of Social Service chief executive Kym Goodes said the program will be highly valuable for women who are looking for employment, either after a period of long term unemployment or if they are returning to the workforce.
“We know there are many barriers to gaining meaningful employment and one of these is definitely confidence which can be significantly impacted by not having the right clothes to wear to an interview,” Ms Goodes said.
Ms Goodes has congratulated the group for taking a proactive step in building the capacity of vulnerable people within the community.
“Employers want to employ people who want to contribute to a workplace and be a productive member of the team. Not having the right pair of shoes or jacket shouldn’t be a barrier to them gaining employment” Ms Goodes said.
Amanda French
