University of Worcester initiative helping students dress correctly for interviews and placements
'The Wardrobe' has been set-up to give students who might not have access to professional clothing what they need
The founder of a University of Worcester clothing project says she set it up to break down any barriers stopping students from getting employment.
Placements and internships coordinator at the university’s business school Janey Robins set-up 'The Wardrobe' after hearing some students didn't have the clothing they needed for interviews and placements.
Founded last year, so far around 90 garments have been loaned to students.
"The idea came when I was speaking to a student who had attended lots of networking events but mentioned they didn’t have many professional outfits to wear,” Robins said.
"Navigating this whole world of work, particularly if you're sort of transitioning from maybe studying full-time and entering a sort of first professional career can be really quite intimidating, and I wanted to use my real passion for breaking down barriers for employment.
"Some might come along and grab a tie for a last minute online interview that they just weren't prepared for and that means that we are now able to help and support them with that and then they feel like they've dressed for success for that interview."
Shirts, smart dresses, suits, ties are some of the items that have been gifted by members of the community to the workplace wardrobe.