The Global Studio is a workshop & studio that supports
people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and others, identified as at risk
of social isolation. This can be due to factors including low level English
language skills, poor employment prospects, illness and disability and other learning skills that may prevent them from participating in mainstream and higher education.
The idea was first developed when a gap was identified in
the employment and education pathways for newly arrived immigrants in the
Latrobe Valley. There was an obvious need for some vocational training so that
the new arrivals could build their skills to a level where they could become
either self-employed through cottage industry or home business and acquire the
skills needed to seek paid employment in the community. To undertake vocational
courses there was a need for a program that offered English language support at
the same time as teaching vocational skills.
The Studio has grown over the past two years and is finding niche markets in supplying training in screen printing and fashion and textiles to a wider group of local Gippsland students. Participants from all walks of life, ages and level of education are finding The Global Studio can offer training otherwise not provided for in Latrobe Valley.
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A successful pilot program was started in 2010 in
conjunction with a local training organisation; the program used a model
inspired by the Social Studio in Collingwood, Melbourne. The Global Studio
extends this model to include English as a Second Language, Screen Printing,
Fashion & Design, Marketing, Small Business & Retail modules. The
Studio also builds on the launch of the Latrobe Valley Sudanese Women's Network
and will further the women's plans to become a sustainable business in their
own right.
The Global Studio runs in conjunction with TRY Australia who
are the registered training organisation enabling us to deliver State and Nationally
accredited training certificates. The Studio is located in TRY's Morwell
campus and delivers training and support programs to a range of participants
from Australia, Africa, Thailand, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Russia and
Japan.
The Global Studio Incorporated Association’s purpose is
to:
'Provide a creative, inclusive environment that supports people from culturally
diverse backgrounds and other marginalised groups by providing:-
(a) accessible education;
(b) creating employment opportunities;
(c) encouraging community engagement and
(d) supporting social enterprise.'