Harvesting trainers promote best practice
The very best shearing and wool handling trainers from across the country came together at a series of three regional workshops in June to share best practice techniques and ensure that a high level of training is carried out at AWI-funded shearing schools.
A total of about 60 of Australia’s best shearing and wool handing trainers gathered at the three regional consistency workshops to share ideas about how to best train those who will be looking after the national clip for decades to come. The focus was on a practical and hands-on approach to training.
The consistency workshops were held at Naracoorte in South Australia for SA, Vic and Tas trainers; at Dubbo in NSW for NSW and Qld trainers; and at Narrogin in WA for WA trainers.
Trainers sharing best practice techniques at the consistency workshops held at Dubbo (NSW, Top Left), Naracoorte (SA, Bottom) and Narrogin (WA, Top Right).
At each of the two-day workshops, there was an emphasis on sharing best practice techniques amongst the trainers, and the best way to deliver the finest techniques to students. There was also strong interaction between the wool handling trainers and the shearing trainers to ensure the whole shed team works efficiently in clip preparation. While consistency training is mainly focused on teaching novices, trainers also shared best practice tips for all skill levels and sheep types.
AWEX Wool Classer Registrar Fiona Raleigh attended and presented at the Dubbo and Narrogin workshops.
AWI National Manager, Wool Harvesting Training & Careers Development, Craig French, says providing consistency in wool harvesting training is vital to maintain and strengthen the industry’s professionalism and retain workers.
“Each year AWI funds training for hundreds of shearers and wool handlers in all regions across the country. As with all education, it is important to ensure that the trainers themselves are teaching and promoting best practice skills in an effective way,” Craig said.
“There are some tremendous trainers, many being the best in their field, and we are lucky they have such a strong commitment to handing on their expertise. Sharing knowledge has always been one of the great aspects of this part of the wool industry.”
This article appeared in the September 2023 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.
