Novice training courses help attract next gen
AWI funds hands-on, practical in-shed training for shearers and wool handlers across the country to attract and retain new entrants into the wool harvesting industry. AWI-funded novice training courses provide participants with a solid introduction to the wool harvesting industry and create a pathway for them to obtain ongoing employment.
AWI-funded novice shearing courses are suitable for participants ranging from wool handlers looking to learn new skills in shearing and farm workers wanting to gain experience in shearing and crutching, to those new to the shearing industry.
The live-in courses are very practical, shed-based courses taught by leading industry trainers. The courses are fully funded by AWI and are offered at no cost to eligible participants. Once a person has completed a novice course, they may be employable as a ‘learner shearer’ in a commercial wool harvesting operation.
Craig French, AWI National Manager, Wool Harvesting Training & Careers Development, says the training aims to make participants job-ready for shed work, thereby helping build the wool harvesting workforce.
“It is a very hands-on course that covers topics like shearing gear, set-up and safety, handling sheep, shearing technique, wool handling, the significance of a good work ethic and camaraderie, and the importance of a quality end-product,” he said.
“Throughout the course, participants also get taught all aspects of wool handling, wool pressing and clip preparation to prepare them to go straight into the industry as a wool handler if not a ‘learner shearer’.
“But the course is not only about shearing and wool handling, it is also about providing youngsters with life skills, such as the benefits of health and nutrition, personal development and importantly a career pathway.”
In addition to funding novice training, AWI also funds training for learner and advanced shearers, thereby helping to retain workers in the industry; increase their productivity, skills and professionalism; and increase returns to woolgrowers through improved clip preparation practices.
Three years ago, AWI introduced a project to equip learner shearers with an ‘AWI Learner Shearer Toolbox’ containing a handpiece and other shearing gear, subject to the shearer passing certain criteria. The AWI Toolbox provides an extra incentive for budding shearers to build up their skills and stay in the industry.
AWI-funded trainers carry out wool harvesting training in New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania. In Victoria and South Australia, the AWI-funded training is provided by the Shearing Contractors Association of Australia Shearer Woolhandler Training Inc (SCAA SWTI).
AWI thanks all the woolgrowers who provide their facilities and sheep, and all the other organisations and individuals that lend their time and resources to help run this training.
Pictured above are a great group of 15 young, enthusiastic shearers at an AWI novice shearing school held in September at Paraway Pastoral’s ‘Cooinbil Station’ at Coleambally in NSW. The AWI trainers were Brian Sullivan, Janice Beshmann and Mike Pora who also coached new AWI trainer Nathan McClelland.
More information: www.wool.com/harvestingtraining
This article appeared in the December 2024 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.
