We are passionate about educating and training the next generation, and feel that the key to this is connecting with students at a critical time in deciding on their career path. We have collated some material below to help explain the Wool Harvesting Industry, what we at AWI offer, and the options available to students wanting to pursue a career in this industry.
Lake Grace High School
November 2023 wool handling workshop for students at Lake Grace High School
Next Generation
The next generation of shearing and wool handlers.
AWI Training & Education Programs
AWI offers a range of programs aimed at a range of audiences, from education programs for school leavers through to professional development for workers already in the industry.
Novice
Novice workshops provide school leavers and new entrants to the wool industry, generally aged between 16 - 25, with training to geared towards gaining full-time employment in the industry.
Education
AWI provides education programs targeted at high school students in years 9-12.
Improver
Improver workshops are run to assist new entrants & learner shearers currently working in industry to improve their shearing and woolhandling skills.
Industry
The industry training program provides professional development for all wool harvesting staff. Aimed at workers who show initiative and invest in training, training is generally scheduled outside of work hours.
Wool Handling
Similar to the novice program, the wool handling program is targeted at school leavers and new entrants looking to gain full time employment in the wool industry.
Workplace
AWI conducts on-the-job training in the workplace, targeted at full-time workers such as trainees.
Wool Harvesting Career Options
For more information on career & employment opportunities please contact the following:
Shearing Contractors Association of Australia (SCAA)
West Australian Shearing Industry Association (WASIA)
National Wool Harvesting and Training Advisory Group
BACKGROUND
The National Wool Harvesting and Training (NWHAT) Advisory Group was established in 2023 to address issues related to wool harvesting across all states of Australia and consists of representatives from each of the state Wool Training Advisory Groups (WoolTAGs) and the key wool industry bodies.
The Advisory Group meet twice a year, chaired by AWI Board Director Don Macdonald, with the Group’s objective to facilitate national discussion on wool harvesting issues and identify and address gaps and opportunities for the Wool Harvesting industry.
ADVISORY GROUP MEMBERS
- Wool Producers Australia
- National Council of Wool Selling Brokers Australia
- Shearing Contractors Association of Australia
- West Australian Shearing Industry Association
- Australian Wool Exchange
- Australian Wool Innovation
- State Wool Training Advisory Groups (WoolTAGs)
Email: nwhat_secretariat@wool.com
The NWHAT Advisory Group brings together State Wool Training Advisory Groups (WoolTAGs) and key Wool Industry Organisations to progress the wool harvesting industry
Contact Us
We also love to attend Career Days & Expos if possible. If your school is hosting one and would be open to us attending, please contact the relevant coordinator below:
Craig French
National Manager
craig.french@wool.com
Valerie Pretzel
Wool Harvesting Coordinator WA
valerie.pretzel@wool.com
Lachlan West
Wool Harvesting Coordinator TAS
lachlan.west@wool.com
Harriet Ryan
Wool Harvesting Coordinator NSW & QLD
harriet.ryan@wool.com
