Fashion Students Thrive Through LSKD Internship Program

The collaboration began when TAFE Queensland Fashion Teacher, Sally Brindley-Mills, walked into LSKD’s headquarters and pitched the idea of student placements.

That bold move led to an email from LSKD’s Head Designer, Jennifer Braithwaite, who, along with Head of Design & Production, Jenna Lewis, visited TAFE Queensland’s Mount Gravatt campus, which proved to be a turning point.

Their visit was a full-circle moment, with both Jennifer and Jenna being TAFE Queensland Fashion Alumni. Their tour of the Fashion Centre of Excellence evolved from an informal graduate placement discussion into a structured internship program.

“The first iteration of the program had its challenges. Initially, students were approached after graduation, which wasn’t as effective as it could have been,” explained Sally.

“Learning from that, the LSKD team and I refined the process to engage with students before graduation, encouraging them to apply using a real design brief, just like they would in a professional industry setting.”

Applying before graduation, students respond to a brief from LSKD and adapt their coursework to fit an activewear concept. They then present their designs to the LSKD team for selection.

To give them deeper insights, students also visit LSKD’s headquarters in Brisbane to explore the supply chain and connect directly with staff. This process gives them practical experience and insight into industry expectations.

“LSKD is very open about its operations, customer base, and ethos, and the visits are always incredibly informative. The students ask a lot of questions and get insights into how their business works,” Sally said.

Founded in 2007 by Jason Daniel, LSKD was inspired by his motocross background and passion for performance-driven apparel.

Since then, the brand has grown into a global name with 22 retail stores across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, supported by a strong online presence.

Driven by innovation, community, and a philosophy of being 1% better every day, LSKD is committed to making a positive impact through its products and meaningful partnerships, including its collaboration with TAFE Queensland.

Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (MST50119) graduate, Amelia Bosgra, was the program's inaugural intern, selected in 2024, and quickly earned a full-time Junior Designer and Developer role.

“It was more than just technical training - it was a deep dive into how values-led design and innovation work in the real world,” said Amelia.

“Coming from a Diploma in Fashion Design and Merchandising and stepping into the industry through this internship gave me more than just technical skills. It gave me real-world insight into how creativity, innovation, and purpose-driven design work together in a fast-paced, values-led company,” Amelia continued.

Her internship was extended from three to six months before she was offered a full-time role as a Junior Designer and Developer at LSKD.

“The internship process was smooth, supportive, and structured in a way that allowed me to contribute meaningfully to projects while constantly learning.”

“I felt empowered to ask questions, explore my strengths, and receive genuine feedback that pushed me to grow. LSKD fosters a culture of collaboration, and I’ve built relationships that continue to support my growth,” she explained.

Following Amelia, graduates Simran Mackrani and Emilia Memory joined LSKD in 2025, with the company committing to offer two paid internships annually.

“Our partnership with TAFE Queensland, led by Sally, has created a powerful internship program that gives fashion students real industry experience,” said Jennifer Braithwaite, Senior Designer, LSKD.

“It’s been a win-win - students gain confidence and skills, and we get access to fresh ideas and emerging talent. The program's success speaks for itself - we’ve hired Amelia full-time, have two paid internships for 2025 and are looking at extending it into other creative areas in the future,” explained Jennifer.

With LSKD expanding internationally, more internship opportunities are on the horizon, and the future for the internship program looks bright.

“LSKD is a generous company that genuinely wants to give back. It’s not just about what they get but what they can offer our students,” continued Sally.

“They understand our fashion program, students, and values, making everything easier, and it’s growing better every year. It’s a wonderfully beneficial program opening doors for our creative students,” she concluded.