Dutch clothing brand New Optimist introduces vocational courses

At Dutch clothing brand New Optimist, the first batch of practical training at the vocational (MBO-1) level started last week.

The company had always had a social workplace in Zaandam, near Amsterdam, but wanted to bring that aspect of the business closer and expand it.

Every six months, five to seven students will now be prepared for the tailoring profession by following a training programme at the brand's workshop in Amsterdam-West.

Once they have obtained their certificates after completing the programme, they can move on to a vocational training course, or work at New Optimist or another fashion company.

In addition, from the beginning of March, before the New Optimist factory opens its doors, the general public can visit the premises to learn more about clothing production.

New Optimist will provide clothes-making and textile-dyeing workshops for the general public, as well as organising more theoretical sessions on circularity.

This is not only a good way of spreading knowledge about craftsmanship and sustainability, but also an opportunity to open the New Optimist studios to the public, now that the brand no longer has a shop slash studio where customers can walk in and out.