A dozen new sewers have stepped up to begin a new partnership with STEPS Cairns and Uniforms 4 Kids.

STEPS Cairns is a disability employment specialist that provides literacy, numeracy and digital literacy training through the Skills for Education and Employment Program (SEE) and works with each student in pursuing their own personal learning and employment outcome over a two-year period.

It has a range of programs dedicated to providing the essential skills needed to gain employment and provides education and training opportunities across a range of different programs.

“STEPS Cairns works closely with local employers and create employment service providers to support individuals to gain transferable skills and employability skills sets through the STEPS Employability Skills Training,” said Operations Manager, Cassie Stanley.

“Uniforms 4 Kids are proud to collaborate with STEPS to create unique one-of-a-kind clothing for children in need, no matter who they are or where they are – all from uniforms that would become landfill,” said Chair of U4K Glenn Ferguson AM.

“We are pleased to welcome this new sewing group that is already transforming old police and emergency services uniforms into wonderful items for children in need,” Mr Ferguson said.

The 12 new students began sewing for Uniforms 4 Kids on 4 March 2022 and are aged between 18 and 60.

The students are starting to make pillowcases, before moving onto clothing.

They are learning – through the sewing partnership with Uniforms 4 Kids – to apply technical and social skills including numeracy, reading, problem solving and oral communication. The students hope to achieve an increase in LLN, employability skills and ultimately paid work.

Ms Stanley says it’s also a great way to give back to the community through a non-profit charity that performs a vital need for children in need.

Pictured: Craig, Lil, Maree, Melissa, Stella, Bev with Cairns Police. 

Pictured: Craig, Maree, Frances with Cairns Police.