The Professional Student Wardrobe, in partnership with White Rose, provides NTU students and graduates with free, professional clothing for career related activities. Our values around Social Mobility and Sustainability are at the heart of this exciting new initiative.
This project aims to:
- level the playing field for students in the recruitment process,
- establish free access to professional clothing for NTU students and graduates,
- divert clothing from the waste stream,
- collaborate with sustainable fashion retailers and manufacturers.
Why is this important?
Many of our students join us from our most disadvantaged communities, they face financial barriers that have been seriously affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
More students than ever lack the disposable income to access opportunities and the lack of professional clothing is a contributing factor. This is not a hurdle that can be overcome with talent or hard work. It is an obstacle that forces some of the brightest, best, and most dedicated young people to not present themselves as successfully as their better off peers.
Around one third of students at NTU are from a low income household or experience financial barriers.
of student applications for financial support for recruitment costs were to buy professional clothing.
of students surveyed in 2021/22, said expenses of a potential interview impacted their decision to apply for a role or attend an interview.
Grace Walker, Director of White Rose:
White Rose is delighted to be invited to work with the Employability Hub of Nottingham Trent University as pioneers of the ‘Professional Wardrobe’. This unique initiative provides students with a wide range of free, handpicked, preloved interview apparel and White Rose is thrilled to be able to contribute through this innovative scheme to directly support students facing significant challenges with the rising cost-of-living.
At the same time, this project contributes to the circular economy, extending the life of many pieces of clothing that otherwise would have ended in landfill and raises funds for the Aegis Trust which is building peace in fragile communities around the world. White Rose has received overwhelming support and friendship from Nottingham Trent University and their students since the shops began in 2009 and is proud to partner with them with on this project.
Pledge your support:
There are a number of ways you organisation can get involved with this project:
If your organisation is a fashion retailer or manufacturer, you can support by donating stock to the project. Men’s and women’s clothing, footwear and accessories are all welcomed. End of season lines, samples, or faulty returns that may otherwise go to landfill can make a huge difference to our cause.
Please note, this is a collaborative initiative between NTU and White Rose. Any stock donated will be directed to the White Rose distribution centre for sorting. Items deemed ‘professional’ will go into the NTU Professional Wardrobe, and any items unsuitable for this purpose will go into White Rose stores.
Running a clothing donation drive in your offices gives staff the opportunity to contribute to the project, and provides an easy way to clear out unwanted items that would otherwise be wasted. NTU and White Rose will provide you with a donation box and arrange delivery and collection. We will also provide marketing materials to support you promoting the donation drive within your organisation.
Please note, this is a collaborative initiative between NTU and White Rose. Any stock donated will be directed to the White Rose distribution centre for sorting. Items deemed ‘professional’ will go into the NTU Professional Wardrobe, and any items unsuitable for this purpose will go into White Rose stores.
Having access to clothing for interviews can be a major barrier for many students, however some students may lack the knowledge and commercial awareness of what is suitable for their chosen industry. You can support these students to understand professional attire for your industry by running an interview preparation masterclass aligned to this project. These sessions can include more general tips on interview etiquette and preparation, but should have a focus on what constitutes appropriate attire.
We welcome employers to support future developments of the project through financial sponsorship.
To commit to donating stock or running a donation drive, please complete this form.
If you would like to find out more about delivering a masterclass or corporate sponsorship, contact talent@ntu.ac.uk.
If you are a current NTU student or recent graduate, and would like to access the Professional Student Wardrobe service, please email employability@ntu.ac.uk.
Why should you take part?
- Supporting NTU students with their career development and progression – donors will receive updates on impact of the professional wardrobe and hear stories from students who have benefitted from the service.
- Supporting the Aegis Trust through White Rose – impacting genocide affected communities with peace education.
- Increased brand-presence on campus – employer donors can be featured on NTU social media channels sharing advice for students on interview attire whilst promoting career opportunities at their organisation.
Supporters:
