School leavers in NSW are being urged to give shearing a go as the industry continues to face a major labour shortage.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
NSW Farmers wool committee chair Helen Carrigan said a shortage of shearers meant there was good money to be made by young people who were willing to learn.
"The 'click' of the shears is part of our proud agricultural history and there are so many success stories of young people keen to have a go," she said.
"It can be hard work, but it's rewarding and the pay can set the savvy saver up for a great future.
"We're keen to see school leavers looking for a life in the bush to seriously consider becoming a shearer.
"Australia has a long tradition of producing the world's finest wool, and a key part of that success has been the hard working shearers who are such a great part of our character."
MORE READING:
Ms Carrigan said the Certificate III in Shearing course free for all NSW residents and there had never been a better time to get into the industry.
"We launched our Wool Technical Advisory Group last year to tackle the issues in the industry head-on, and one of the big ones has been addressing our shearer shortage," Ms Carrigan said.
"If we can encourage young people to get into the sheds to be trained and mentored we can not only set them up for success but also help solve this worker shortage.
"NSW Farmers is keen to take a proactive approach to agricultural issues and this is a great career path for anyone who doesn't want to spend their life in an office with a suit and tie."
Start the day with all the big news in agriculture! Sign up below to receive our daily Farmonline newsletter.
