They recently held a fashion parade to celebrate their graduation from a Certificate II in Retail from TAFE NSW, Western Sydney Institute Mt Druitt campus.

The 12-week course was held off campus in Emerton three days a week in partnership with Holy Family Services and Jesuit Social Services.

It was made by possible by a $1.14 million federal government grant, which ends next June.

The inaugural course intake has spent the last three months getting hands-on experience serving customers in Holy Family Services' op shop and supermarket.

Course content also covered product placement, merchandising, stock control, pricing, conflict resolution, basic maths, resume writing and interview skills.

The fashion parade consisted of op shop clothing to demonstrate you don't have to spend a lot of money to look stylish and presentable.

``The course was unbelievable better than anyone anticipated,'' Holy Family Services program support co-ordinator Melissa Owen said.

``There's one participant who was quiet and withdrawn at the start of the course who has blossomed and turned into a completely different person.

``The course has empowered the women not only to find jobs and learn new skills but also grow as people and boost their confidence.''

The next course started last week, where participants will run a stall at the community market held at the site fourth Thursday each month.

The course has been expanded to four days a week to condense content into 10 weeks.

Ms Owen described the intake as diverse, which ranges from youth and men to single mothers.