Volunteers are accepted after an interview and skills test including sewing. Students may choose a volunteer after the volunteer passes the skills test. Volunteers that are disruptive or ‘needy’ are asked to step aside for another volunteer. Their job is to assist the student and teacher, not take time and attention for their own personal learning. Volunteers do learn a lot by being present while the student is learning but they are also required to complete tasks each day such as returning fabrics and trims to the correct location, wiping down sewing machines and surfaces.