About us

Who we are

Ready Set is an independent not-for-profit organisation and registered charity that relies on benefactors, supporters and fundraising to ensure we can support those in need. 

Fitting out a small warehouse in South Melbourne and opening its doors in 2011, our founding volunteers believed in the power of appropriate clothing for job‑readiness and that everyone, regardless of gender, age and background, should have access to this support. Collecting donations and seeking out oversupplies from retailers, Ready Set began styling and providing clothing to jobseekers in need from across Melbourne. 

Our goal is to provide a service to those who cannot afford suitable clothing to wear to job interviews and who face multiple barriers to employment. Having the “tools” to look the part not only positively impacts individual’s confidence, but also employers’ perceptions of the potential employees they interview. Our career coaching service complements our styling/clothing service as it helps individuals to identify their skills and offers access to professional career coaches who can assist in their job seeking journey.

Our impact

Our mission is to strengthen communities by empowering job seekers with clothing and coaching, and connections so they can build their confidence, realise their dreams and change their lives.  

Ready Set was the first Victorian service of this kind to welcome clients of all genders, and in the past 13 years we have directly impacted over 11,000 people including our clients and their families, saved over 180,000 items of clothing from landfill and accrued over 80,000 volunteer hours. In our first year, 175 job seekers walked through our doors. Prior to COVID that number grew to over 1,500 job seekers a year attending personal or virtual fittings, as well as individual coaching sessions to enhance job search and interview skills, through our Career Support Program. In 2023 we supported over 1,000 clients, returning close to pre-COVID numbers.

Of those eligible and actively seeking work, 40% secure and stay in a job within the first 3 months of accessing our services.

Our vision

As demand for our services continues to increase, our goal is to support anyone who needs help with clothing, job search coaching, and individualised connection to other services to help them on their journey.

Ready Set’s services and holistic approach enables us to respond to the unique challenges and needs of each job seeker, and ensure they are not disadvantaged or fall through the cracks of social, charitable and other services.

Our clients leave us with the confidence to realise their dreams and change their own lives – and with that, the hope they can create a better future for their families and their communities.

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