THE Ballarat Specialist School has just opened its own specialty op-shop, Vintage Soul and the process is providing valuable retail experience to students.<\/p>\n
With funds raised from the sales going directly back into the school and its programs, the shop offers more than just great vintage finds.<\/p>\n
Vintage Soul organiser and trainer Tara Cameron said having set up almost a month ago, due to COVID related hold ups, the store finally opened its doors last week.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been really good we\u2019ve had a lot of donations from the school community members and they\u2019ve been amazing,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso, donations from local businesses such as Crockers who donated a few ties as well as people bringing in handmade items such as crochet blankets, everyone\u2019s been so generous.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been quite a special thing to do and the feedback\u2019s already been amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
After having the idea of opening a store on campus for the students to learn some retail skills, Ms Cameron said the concept of an op-shop fit their needs perfectly.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause we work with donations, that means our overheads are low,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all part of the VET training here too, so they\u2019ll get a certificate II after working here for a couple of years so it will help with future job opportunities as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re also talking a lot about recycling and sustainability, so the program covers a lot of things, they\u2019ve been loving it so far.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to unique apparel options, the shop also retails a range of books, homewares, crockery as well as small plants potted by the school\u2019s students.<\/p>\n
Steering clear of the traditional look and feel of many op-shops, Ms Cameron said their focus for the store was for it to be a cool place to come and work.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe got some great help with the logos from a local graphic designer,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll be also looking at getting some local maker\u2019s things in as well and then eventually setting up a store in town so when the kids finish up here, they have somewhere to go and work.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnybody who is keen to learn work skills can get involved, doesn\u2019t matter the IQ or level of ability, just whoever has a good attitude and wants to come and do the work.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Ballarat Specialist School has just opened its own specialty op-shop, Vintage Soul and the process is providing valuable retail experience to students. With funds raised from the sales going directly back into the school and its programs, the shop offers more than just great vintage finds. Vintage Soul organiser and trainer Tara Cameron said […]<\/p>\n