A new course in shearing for secondary school students is being tried, with the aim of giving young people more ways of having careers which keep them in the country.
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It’s called Wool Works and a trial has just been done at the Agricultural Station. The aim now is to continue and expand the course.
“Keeping quality young people in the bush should be top priorities for all communities across the region,” said Russell Stewart, who chairs Regional Development Australia Northern Inland, one of the state bodies behind the course.
The course was given by two experienced shearers, Ross Thompson and Leo Fittler.
Mr Thompson said: “If you can shear a sheep and do some crutching (removing wool from around the tail), you’ve got handy skills for the rural industry. It’s also a great profession to consider for travelling and even students going on to university can use shearing shed skills to pay their way.
“Shearing is a trade. Just like if you’re a builder, sparky or plumber, you’re looking at four years before you know what you’re doing and six before you’re hitting your peak. The shearing school is a great introduction.”
A range of skills was taught in the course for Year 9 and 10 students who travelled from Guyra Central School, including animal husbandry, biosecurity, workplace health and safety and the handling of wool and sheep.
Student Steph Cameron said: “I grew up on a property. My Dad’s a shearer and I roustabout with him. Yet, I learned a lot.”
Taylor Brennan from Year 10 appreciated having an experienced shearer supervising him as he sheared a sheep. “He told me all the angles and techniques that I had to use. It was really good.”
A raft of bodies cooperated: the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services, TAFE New England, Glen Innes Severn Council, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and Heiniger, the manufacturer of shears. The sheep were provided by Elders Glen Innes.
