At the recent World Skills 2025 in the RDS Sallynoggin College of Further Education (SCFE) proudly represented the fashion and design disciplines within Ireland’s FET sector.
Our exhibition stand in the Further Education and Training (FET) Pavilion celebrated the breadth of opportunities available through FET, and SCFE’s fashion team demonstrated how creativity, innovation and employability combine to prepare learners for dynamic careers in the fashion industry.
Sallynoggin College, part of the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB), has a long-standing reputation for excellence in creative education. Its Fashion Department is a national leader in practical, industry-relevant training that allows students to explore their creativity while gaining the technical and professional skills required to succeed in fashion retail, styling, design and visual merchandising.
At WorldSkills, visitors were able to experience first-hand the standard of work produced by learners at SCFE and to see how Further Education provides a real, accessible pathway into creative industries.
Throughout the event, teachers from the Fashion Department engaged directly with visitors, discussing the exciting range of courses available at SCFE and offering insights into the skills and career paths that FET can offer.
Their enthusiasm and expertise highlighted the value of hands-on, creative education and the strong industry links that underpin the college’s approach to teaching and learning.
Fashion Buying, Styling and Visual Merchandising Including Content Creation
One of SCFE’s most dynamic programmes, the Fashion Buying, Styling and Visual Merchandising including Content Creation course, is designed to equip learners with the essential skills required to succeed in today’s rapidly changing fashion landscape. The programme offers a unique blend of creative practice, business insight and digital fluency—reflecting the evolving demands of an industry increasingly shaped by online media and visual storytelling.
Through practical and group projects, students develop creative ideas into professional visuals for portfolios and digital platforms. The course also includes work experience placements, giving learners invaluable exposure to real-world retail and fashion environments.
Graduates can progress to the QQI Level 6 Advanced Fashion Industry Practice programme at SCFE or continue to higher education in Visual Merchandising, Fashion Buying or Business degree courses. Employment opportunities are wide-ranging, from retail buying and fashion display to styling, merchandising and social media promotion.
Fashion Design – From Concept to Creation
The Fashion Design course at SCFE offers an equally exciting and practical introduction to the design process. Learners can specialise in menswear, womenswear, streetwear or costume design, developing their own creative identity while mastering core technical skills such as pattern drafting, garment construction and design illustration.
Sustainability and circular fashion principles are embedded throughout the programme, ensuring that graduates are not only technically skilled but also conscious of the environmental and ethical dimensions of their work. Students benefit from a well-equipped studio environment.
The portfolio produced during the year provides an excellent foundation for progression to the Advanced Fashion Design course or to degree-level studies in fashion and textiles.
Preparing Learners for Industry and Further Study
SCFE’s range of creative courses, Floristry, Art, Performing Arts, Hairdressing and Beauty as well as Fashion, all share a strong commitment to employability, creativity and progression. Educational trips, visiting lecturers and guest speakers from industry enrich the student experience, while the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ programme allows learners to gain international exposure and professional insight.
Graduates of SCFE’s fashion programmes have progressed to a variety of roles including fashion design, visual merchandising, content creation, and fashion retail management. Many have continued their studies at third level institutions in Ireland and abroad, supported by the comprehensive portfolios developed during their time at the college.
SCFE represents an ideal route for creative learners who wish to gain hands-on experience and tangible qualifications in a supportive environment. The college’s emphasis on continuous assessment, practical learning and personal development makes it an accessible and rewarding choice for students from diverse educational backgrounds.
As showcased at WorldSkills 2025, Further Education and Training continues to offer meaningful pathways that bridge the gap between school, higher education and employment. Sallynoggin College’s fashion programs exemplify this vision – providing learners with the confidence, creativity and competence to shape their own future in the fashion industry.
Our next Open Day in SCFE is Tuesday 20th January from 10am to 1pm. For more information, visit www.scfe.ie or contact by email at reception@scfe.ie.
